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Djokovic into round 3 at French Open, former champ downs Pliskova

They may just be two rounds deep at Roland Garros, but it already looks fait accompli that Novak...



Djokovic into round 3 at Frenc...
Other Sports

Djokovic into round 3 at French Open, former champ downs Pliskova

They may just be two rounds deep at Roland Garros, but it already looks fait accompli that Novak Djokovic will face Rafa Nadal in the final on Sunday-week. 

Top seed Djokovic lost just five games for the second match running in his straight sets win over world no.66 Ricardas Berankis.

While not as economical, Nadal has barely had a glove laid on him en route to round 3.

Next up for Djokovic is the Ecuadorian lucky loser, Daniel Elahi Galan who beat Tennys Sandgren.

Ninth seed Denis Shapovalov is out. The Canadian lost a five-hour, five set marathon to the unseeded, Roberto Carballes Baena.

The Spaniard progresses to a 3rd round meeting with 18th seed Grigor Dimitrov.

Karolina Pliskova became the latest big name to fall in the women's draw.

This year's 2nd seed lost in three sets to the 2017 champion at Roland Garros, Jelena Ostapenko.

"I'm sure I could do much better," Pliskova said after the match.

"I know that she can be tough if she's playing well, but I think everything started with me.

"I was definitely not playing great. I think maybe same level as the match before but of course she's a much better player."

Having peaked at world no.5 in the spring of 2018, Ostapenko is now ranked 43 and unseeded. Regardless, the Latvian feels she's recapturing the form that led her to the title in 2017.

"I think I'm similar as I was playing then," the 23-year old said after downing Pliskova.

"It's hard to compare because that was three years ago and I was fearless, nobody really knew me but now players got to know me more.

"Obviously they know me already. They know how I can play. They know how to play probably against me. So I try to prepare very well for every match."

Next up for Ostapenko is Spain's Paula Badosa, who beat 2018 finalist Sloane Stephens in three sets.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will face the 18-year old surprise package Leylah Annie Fernandez in round 3.

Kvitova beat Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-3. While Fernandez has reached the 3rd round of a Grand Slam for the first time after beating Polona Hercog in three sets.

And 4th seed Sofia Kenin was taken the distance for the second match running before seeing off Ana Bogdan 6-2 in the decider.

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Read more about

Denis Shapovalov French Open Jelena Ostapenko Karolina Pliskova Leylah Annie Fernandez Novak Djokovic Petra Kvitova Roland Garros Tennis