Novak Djokovic is the last to laugh at French Open after shocking tennis split

Djokovic made a comfortable job of Slovakian Alex Molcan, the world number one who won 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) against a player trained by his longtime former coach Marian Vajda, the man holding most of his 20 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic shot 10 aces and 40 winners past his 38th-ranked opponent, then takes on Slovenian Aljaz Bedene for a place in the last 16.

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“It was a real pleasure to play at Court Suzanne Lenglen. I don’t have many opportunities to play here,” said Djokovic after reaching the third round for the 17th year in a row.

“I felt the support. There were difficult conditions today with a lot of wind coming from different directions.

“It was a real pleasure to play at Court Suzanne Lenglen. I don’t have many opportunities to play here,” said the 35-year-old.

“I felt the support. There were difficult conditions today with a lot of wind coming from different directions.

“So I had to stay focused and patient.

“I have a lot of respect for Alex, he is a specialist in this field.”

The tennis world was shocked when it was revealed in March Djokovic and Vajda broke up after working together for 14 of the past 15 years. Earlier this month, the Serb’s former coach revealed that Djokovic’s desire to shorten his entourage and focus on grand slams was part of why the couple broke up†

Djokovic had the last laugh at his ex-mentor, with Vajda’s new apprentice Molcan unable to prevent the 35-year-old from continuing his task in Paris.

Zverev, third-seeded and semi-finalist in 2021, fought back from the brink against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez to avoid his first major loss in three years.

Zverev defeated Baez 2-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 7-5 after three hours and 36 minutes. He will play Brandon Nakashima of the USA for a place in the last 16.

“There’s not much you can do, you just have to find a way,” said Zverev, who fended off a match point when he served at 4-5 in the final set.

“The greats – Roger (Federer), Rafa (Nadal), Djokovic – always find their way in the most difficult moments.”

It was the third comeback from a two-set deficit in Zverev’s career. He was 2-0 behind German Oscar Otte in the opening round at Roland Garros a year ago, before moving into the last four.

However, the Greek fourth seed Sakkari crashed after a defeat 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4) against the Czech world number 81 Karolina Muchova.

Sakkari was one point away from reaching the final at Roland Garros last year. Her defeat left the women’s draw without four of the top six seeds as she followed defending champions Barbora Krejcikova, Anett Kontaveit and Ons Jabeur through the exit door.

Muchova then plays 27th-seeded Amanda Anisimova, who made the last four three years ago in Paris.

“It’s very special, she’s a great player. It was a big fight, a bit of a test and challenge for me and I’m glad I handled it this way,” said Muchova.

Former Grand Slam champions Angelique Kerber and Victoria Azarenka also advanced to the third round.

Kerber, who won her first clay-court title in six years on the eve of the French Open, defeated 2020 French wildcard and 2020 youth champion Elsa Jacquemot 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) as she searched for the lone Grand Prix. Slam that was missing from her. collection.

The German 21st seed will then play against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, the Belarusian who knocked out US Open champion Emma Raducanu 3-6, 6-1, 6-1.

“I think last week was very important for me to take the title,” said former number one Kerber of her victory in Strasbourg.

“I had a lot of confidence. It’s great to be back here and I hope I can play a few more games.”

Azarenka, two-time winner of the Australian Open, defeated 2014 Roland Garros semifinalist Andrea Petkovic 6-1, 7-6 (7/3). She meets Swiss 23rd seeded Jil Teichmann for a place in the fourth round.