Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Third seed Novak Djokovic continued his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at the Roland-Garros, advancing to the third round with a hard-fought 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(7-9), 6-3 victory over France’s Valentin Royer on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Wednesday, May 27.
French Open: Updates
The win also saw Djokovic reach the third round at Roland-Garros for a remarkable 21st consecutive time, equalling Roger Federer’s Open Era record for most consecutive third-round appearances at a single Grand Slam. It is another milestone in a career defined by longevity, consistency, and dominance at the very highest level.
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Djokovic appeared on course for a routine straight-sets win in the Paris sunshine, but world No. 74 Royer produced a spirited fightback to extend the contest. The Frenchman lifted his level in the third set, forcing a tiebreak and even saving a match point before edging a tense shootout 9-7 to send the match into a fourth set, sending the Philippe-Chatrier crowd into full voice.
What had looked like a controlled evening for the Serbian quickly turned into a test of patience and composure. Royer’s resilience kept him alive in crucial moments, breaking back and refusing to yield even under pressure, as Djokovic was forced to reset mentally heading into the fourth set.
Despite the setback, Djokovic regained control in the fourth. He continued to find sharp angles and precise serving under pressure, eventually sealing the match after saving further resistance from the Frenchman. A well-timed ace helped him reach a third match point before he finally closed out the encounter, restoring order after a brief scare.
MARATHON ELSEWHERE
Earlier in the day, another marathon unfolded on Court 6 in a dramatic deciding tiebreak between 26th seed Jakub Menk and Argentina’s Mariano Navone. Menk, battling severe cramps during the shootout, somehow held his nerve to win 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(13-11) after converting his seventh match point. The 20-year-old collapsed onto the clay after sealing victory in a 4-hour and 41-minute marathon played in sweltering 33°C conditions, with Navone crossing over to shake hands as Menk remained on the ground.
While Djokovic’s milestone grabbed headlines, the day at Roland-Garros once again highlighted the physical and mental demands of Grand Slam tennis, where endurance and composure often decide the finest margins.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
