Tennis
French Open: Novak Djokovic defeats Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets to reach third round at Roland Garros
Novak Djokovic won 14 of the last 17 games to comfortably dispose of Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets in their second-round clash at the French Open.
A vintage display from Djokovic saw the defending champion and world No 1 break Carballes Baena’s serve five consecutive times at one point on his way to an emphatic 6-4 6-1 6-2 victory.
Djokovic, looking to extend his record haul of 24 Grand Slam titles with a fourth crown at Roland Garros, will next face either Gael Monfils or 30th seed Lorenzo Musetti.
Straight-sets victory for Zverev
World No 4 Alexander Zverev also reached the third round with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 6-2 victory over experienced Belgian David Goffin on Thursday.
The German, who ousted 14-times champion Rafael Nadal in the opening round, had to work hard to win the first-set tiebreak but broke early in the second.
Former quarter-finalist Goffin nearly broke Zverev’s serve in the fourth game but the German held firm, mixing up his game well to close out the match.
“I was happy that I ran away with it but also happy that I played well,” said Zverev, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the 2022 French Open semi-finals.
Zverev will now face Italian Luciano Darderi or Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the grass-court season.
- Stuttgart Open (ATP 250 with Andy Murray in action) – June 10-16
- Rosmalen Open (ATP/WTA 250) – June 10-16
Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.