Novak Djokovic continued his impressive run at the French Open, reaching the last 32 for the 19th consecutive year with a dominant performance against Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena. The defending champion showcased his skill with 43 winners, securing a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 victory. Djokovic, aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title, will next face 30th seed Lorenzo Musetti, whom he has beaten in four of their five encounters.
Djokovic acknowledged the challenge posed by Carballes Baena, particularly in the early stages. "It was a difficult match against Roberto. He hit a lot of very good and precise shots," Djokovic said. "The last game of the first set I played really well and started to play at a higher level. At the end of the match I was then playing very well."
Other notable performances included Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, both of whom eased into the third round on a day marred by rain in Paris. Sabalenka, the fourth seed, overpowered Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchijima with 27 winners in a 6-2, 6-2 victory. Sabalenka, a semi-finalist last year, will next face her close friend Paula Badosa of Spain.
Elena Rybakina, the fourth seed and the only player to beat Iga Swiatek on clay this year, defeated Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-4. Qualifier Olga Danilovic made a significant comeback to oust 11th seed Danielle Collins, winning 6-7 (3/7), 7-5, 6-4. Meanwhile, 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko was upset by Denmark's Clara Tauson, 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-3.
In response to concerns over fan behavior, particularly highlighted by Belgium's David Goffin reporting that he had chewing gum spat at him, Roland Garros organizers have banned alcohol in the stands. "Alcohol has been allowed in the stadiums until now but that's over," tournament director Amelie Mauresmo announced. However, alcohol, including beer, will still be available from mobile vendors around the grounds. Mauresmo emphasized that fans would be ejected for throwing objects at players, and umpires have been instructed to maintain stricter control over the crowd.
Alexander Zverev, who ended Rafael Nadal's French Open career in the first round, defeated Goffin 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-2, continuing his strong form following his Rome Open title win. Zverev, a semi-finalist at the last three French Opens, faces an ongoing legal issue with an appeal against a fine for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend. The Berlin court will hear his case, but Zverev, not required to attend, remains focused on his tournament.
Casper Ruud, runner-up in the last two French Opens, battled through five sets to defeat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (7/5), 1-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
The women's draw saw Peyton Stearns, fresh off her first WTA title win in Rabat, stun 10th seed Daria Kasatkina 7-5, 6-2.
Despite the disruptions from the weather, the tournament continues to unfold with high stakes and intense competition, as top players vie for the prestigious Grand Slam title.
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