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Djokovic digs in to reach French Open last 32 / Photo: © AFP
Djokovic digs in to reach French Open last 32
Novak Djokovic continued his latest tilt at a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title with a four-set victory over France's Valentin Royer to reach the third round of the French Open on Wednesday.
Just like in his opening match, the 39-year-old saw off a home player at Roland Garros, this time moving past world number 74 Royer 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Djokovic, a 24-time major winner, will next meet either rising Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca or Croatia's Dino Prizmic in the third round.
"Obviously the feelings on the court are different when you win," Djokovic said.
"It was a match in very difficult (weather) conditions.
"I think Valentin merits a big round of applause for his performance today."
"I hope I won't play any more French players for the rest of the tournament," he added with a wry laugh.
Djokovic secured the crucial break in the sixth game of the opening set as he seemed to read his opponent's mind when he preemptively shuffled across the net to his backhand side before putting away a volley winner when he had moments prior looked stranded in mid-court.
The former world number one laid down an instant marker at the start of the second frame as he broke Royer to get his nose in front.
Djokovic then broke again to take a 4-1 lead, before serving out the set, as he showed no signs of wilting under the heat and home support in Paris.
Royer, born some five kilometres from the Roland Garros complex, gave the local fans cause to cheer when he twice cancelled out Djokovic breaks to level at 3-3 and 4-4 in the third set.
He then brought centre court to its feet as he recovered from 3-0 down in the tie-break to force a fourth set.
Djokovic opened the frame with a battling hold of serve as he seemed to flag in the late afternoon sun with the match fast approaching the three-hour mark.
But the three-time French Open champion dug deep to stay in the fight and one stretching forehand from wide out beyond the net post brought a smile to his lips as Royer disbelievingly watched it rip off the clay just inside his baseline.
That moment of brilliance was all Djokovic needed to revitalise himself as he broke for a 3-1 lead in the very next game, before serving out his spot among the last 32.
W. Winogradow--BTZ
