Novak Djokovic reached the third round of the French Open, while Aryna Sabalenka advanced after beating a qualifier on Thursday.
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DJOKOVIC REACHES FRENCH OPEN THIRD ROUND AFTER WIN OVER SPANIARD
Djokovic secured a place into the third round after he pulled off a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win over Spaniard Roberto Caballes Baena.
The Serbian superstar got some separation after a tight first set by convincingly taking the second set at the Court Philippe Chatrier.
“There’s always conviction and belief inside of me that I can win a Grand Slam. That’s the reason I’m still competing at this level,” Djokovic said.
“I still of course sense that I have the game and I have the goods to go far,” he added.
The world No.1 is still searching for his first major and first overall title this year.
SABALENKA ADVANCES AFTER TOPPING JAPANESE QUALIFIER
Sabalenka advanced into the next round after she defeated Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchijima, 6-2, 6-2, also on Court Philippe Chatrier.
The world No.2 has not dropped a set in a Grand Slam tournament this year.
Sabalenka will next face Paula Badosa, who is her close friend and doubles partner for this year’s clay-court major.
“It’s always tough to play your friend (Badosa),” the Belarussian superstar said.
“But we know how to separate court and life,” she added.
In other women’s singles matches, No.4 Elena Rybakina toppled Arantxa Rus, 6-3, 6-4, while 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva posted a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 triumph over No.19 seed Victoria Azarenka.
FRENCH OPEN ORGANIZERS TO BAR ALCOHOL IN STANDS
Organizers, meanwhile, have decided not to allow spectators to drink alcohol in the stands at Roland Garros due to recent fan incidents.
Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo cited issues involving David Goffin and Iga Swiatek that prompted organizers to make the decision.
“Alcohol was allowed until now in the stands — not in all the stands — that’s over,” Mauresmo said.
“If they exceeded the limit, if they don’t behave well, or if they throw things at the players, that’s it,” she added.
Mauresmo clarified that spectators can still drink in the concourses and areas around the stands but not next to the court.
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