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Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic wasted no time asserting his dominance at French Open 2024. In a dominant display on Thursday, May 30, the 24-time Grand Slam winner cruised into the third round, successfully defending his title on the Parisian clay.
Novak Djokovic on a roll
Facing Roberto Carballes Baena, ranked 63rd in the world, Djokovic dispatched the Spaniard in straight sets (6-4, 6-1, 6-2) on Court Philippe Chatrier. The entire match took just over two hours, showcasing Djokovic's control and precision throughout. While rain disrupted play on the outer courts, Djokovic ruled supreme on center court. He boasted a win percentage of 72 per cent on his first serve, a staggering 24 per cent higher than Baena. His comfort on the red dirt was evident as he moved effortlessly and unleashed powerful backhand down-the-line winners with pinpoint accuracy. Djokovic even treated the crowd to a final flourish with a backhand passing shot before swiftly closing out the match. This victory sends a clear message: Djokovic is a force to be reckoned with in his quest for another Roland Garros title.
Djokovic's straight-set victory over Carballes Baena marked a significant milestone - his 19th consecutive appearance in the Roland Garros third round. This record-breaking consistency stretches all the way back to his debut in 2005. Despite early season struggles on clay and the looming threat of losing his No. 1 ranking to Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner if he doesn't reach the final, Djokovic exuded a newfound calm and composure on court. While his first-round win against Pierre-Hugues Herbert was solid, it included a second-set tie-breaker, hinting at some lingering rust. However, against Carballes Baena, Djokovic looked more at ease, dispatching him with clinical efficiency. This dominant performance has reignited hopes of a successful title defense in Paris, potentially adding another French Open crown to his already impressive collection.
The opening set saw Djokovic take control late, edging ahead in the ninth game. However, it was the second and third sets where he truly put the pedal to the metal. He raced to a commanding 4-0 lead in the second set, leaving Baena with little room to maneuver. This dominance continued into the third, where Djokovic completely shut down the Spaniard's opportunities.
Third Round Charge on Day 5 at Roland Garros
Dimitrov Dominates: Tenth seed Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria wasted no time on Thursday, dismantling Fabian Marozsan in straight sets (6-0, 6-3, 6-4) to advance to the third round. This win came after rain delays halted play on outer courts and Court Simonne-Mathieu.
Hurkacz Overcomes Wobbly Start: Eighth seed Hubert Hurkacz of Poland battled back from a shaky first set to defeat American Brandon Nakashima (6-7(2) 6-1 6-3 7-6(5)). The second-round encounter, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was plagued by multiple rain interruptions.
Vondrousova Rallies for Third Round Berth: Fifth seed Marketa Vondrousova dropped the first set but clawed her way back to defeat Katie Volynets (0-6, 6-1, 6-4) and secure a spot in the third round.
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