Paris: Novak Djokovic, a Serbian tennis superstar, advanced to the third round of the continuing French Open by overcoming Corentin Moutet in his second-round match in the French capital on Thursday.
According to ATP's official website, Djokovic, who is looking for his 25th Grand Slam victory, defeated Moutet in the first round with a 63, 62, 76(1) triumph. Moutet enthralled the audience with some competitive tennis, including some stunningly skillful drop shots that made Djokovic work hard at times. However, the Serbian maestro's class and big-game experience proved to be too much.
During his more than three-hour match, Djokovic performed at peak level, earning him his 100th ATP Tour-level trophy after defeating Hubert Hurkacz to win the Geneva Open title. This run of triumphs comes after early round defeats in Monte Carlo and Madrid in April.
The ATP Rankings' world number six has been in outstanding form in Paris, breezing past Mackenzie McDonald in his first match.
Following the game, the ATP website quoted Djokovic as saying, "Mentally, I had to remain focused and ready for a game like that. " Corentin is a fast player, and the final set was fantastic, particularly the third. I saved a set point. At that point, anything is possible. I discovered a chance to remain on the set, which was excellent service. In general, I believe I performed effectively; I was able to remain composed on the court, which was difficult at times.
Earlier, world number one Jannik Sinner ended Richard Gasquet's career by cruising to a comfortable victory and qualifying for the third round.
Gasquet, 38, played his final match at the claycourt grand slam in Paris, losing 63, 60, 64 in an hour and 58 minutes. On the other hand, the world's top-ranked tennis player increased his Grand Slam winning run to 16, making him the first man born in 1990 or later to do so. (ANI)
