Novak Djokovic continues perfect Roland Garros run, downs former hitting partner Filip Misolic

Novak Djokovic secured another victory at Roland Garros, defeating Filip Misolic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. The 24-time Grand Slam champion once again delivered a strong performance against an unexpected opponent, the Austrian, who is also his former hitting partner.

The Serb continues his perfect campaign in this tournament, still without conceding a set and extending his winning streak at the French Open to seven matches. His next opponent will be Britain's Cameron Norrie, whom he already defeated a couple of weeks ago en route to the Geneva Open title.

The world No. 6, just a few weeks ago, seemed far from being a title contender, but he has shown an impeccable level in Paris. The first set began with the Serb quickly generating several break opportunities, but Misolic surprisingly saved seven break points in just his first service game.

Nole had no major problems on serve; despite landing only 54% of his first serves, he didn't need much more, as he won 85% of first serve points and 82% on the second: he conceded only four service points in the set. On the other hand, his return game was a constant problem for Misolic, securing a break in the sixth game, which proved decisive in the set, before going up 6-3.

Misolic seemed to be getting a handle on the match in the second set, looking good on his serve and getting his first break chance in the fourth game. Nole had no trouble and fended it off, responding with a break in the very next game.

Again, the Serb came close to securing a break in the following games, although he couldn't convert. Nevertheless, it was enough to take a comfortable 6-4 set, hitting 9 winners and only two unforced errors, against his rival's 12 winners and 7 unforced errors after 45 minutes.

The match was already too uphill for Misolic, who was making his first appearance in the third round of a Grand Slam. Djokovic secured an opening break and with his serve, went up 2-0. From there, Djokovic managed the rest of the game, looking solid on serve and showing his class by giving his opponent no chances.

With the score 4-2 in Nole's favor, the second break of the set came – and the fourth of the match. The former world No. 1 did not hesitate in the final part, and despite a commendable performance from Misolic, the Serb claimed a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory. They were tied with 33 winners each, while unforced errors were 22 for Misolic and 14 for Djokovic. The No. 6 was constantly causing problems on return, converting 4 of 16 break opportunities, and saving the only break point he faced.

His next challenge will be against Britain's Cameron Norrie, whom he already defeated a week ago in the Geneva Open semifinals. Norrie – a former top-10 player – defeated Daniil Medvedev along the way and arrives with confidence, boasting 8 wins in his last 9 matches, with the only exception being the Geneva semifinals against Nole.