No trouble for Novak Djokovic as defending champion continues Roland Garros title charge

Novak Djokovic is through to the third round at the 2024 French Open after taking down Roberto Carballes Baena in a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 victory for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Djokovic usually has issue in the second or third round as of late, but in reality it was actually simpler than his opening round. He played a tricky player in Carballes Baena but the Spaniard failed to force the aggression enough to give Djokovic many problems.

It was the same story during the tie as he couldn't cover the court against Djokovic and the Serbian used this to pin him down into a corner and hit at will as he dominated the rallies. Djokovic made it so that RCB could barely find a counter.

The opening set was a 6-4 win for Djokovic as he pinned 14 winners during it to edge through. He fully got into the rhythm in the second set though and this reflected in the scoreline as he was able to play his brand of tennis as the Spaniard almost just fell away. He claimed the second set and it was similar dominance in a 6-2 triumph in the third. It was his best match in a long time and a real showcase that amid the doubts about his form, he isn't going anywhere.

He next faces either Gael Monfils or Lorenzo Musetti. They are set for tonight's Night Session. The Frenchman in particular has an abysmal record against Djokovic over the course of his career. Whilst Musetti has previously held a lead over Djokovic at Roland Garros. But he failed to hammer it home.

The Italian as a result is the most likely to cause him problems despite the prowess of Monfils. It is a pretty simple quarter though for Djokovic with very little jeopardy, but a number of mid level seeds such as Francisco Cerundolo who could yet do what Alejandro Tabilo did in Rome. A no fear attitude and also a Djokovic not at full throttle. But he showed today that it is still there.