Agassi shines as Djokovic romps to big victory
He may be carrying a little more around the middle than in his Roland Garros pomp, but the star appeal of Andre Agassi was undeniable at the French Open on Wednesday as his new charge Novak Djokovic romped to a second-round win.
Almost as many cameras were trained on the U.S. tennis star as were trained on Djokovic throughout the latter’s 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 dismantling of Portugal’s Joao Sousa. This was his fourth win in as many meetings with the world number 59.
Reigning champion Djokovic teamed up with 1999 champion Agassi in a dream-team playercoach combination just before the start of the tournament.
Already the signs were good on Court Suzanne Lenglen. There was a spring in the step of the world number two that had seemed missing in recent months.
Djokovic looked every bit a champion as he controlled his opponent throughout, with Agassi closely monitoring from courtside, a look of concern occasionally clouding his mien.
But Agassi needn’t have worried. Having raced through the first set in a little over half an hour, second seed Djokovic established his rhythm and then just pulled away. “In the first and second rounds I’m the favourite, but it’s sport and nothing is predictable,” said Djokovic.
“I think the first two sets went very well, the third was was more difficult.”
He next meets Argentine Diego Schwartzman in the third round.
Nadal outclassed Dutchman Robin Haase 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 49 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier to continue his quest for his 10th Roland Garros triumph.
The Spaniard is bidding to become the first man to win 10 titles at a single Grand Slam event.
“I was more or less under control during the whole match, so I’m very happy. Winning in straight sets is always good news,” said Nadal.
“I think I did a lot of things well this afternoon.”
The Spaniard will face Nikoloz Basilashvili for a place in round four after the Georgian matched his best ever run at a Grand Slam.
FRENCH OPEN Exchampion’s star appeal undeniable as his ward demolishes Portugal’s Joao Sousa to move to third round at Roland Garros I think the first two sets went very well, the third one was more difficult. Generally, I felt better than the first round, so that’s exactly what I wanted.
Young Austrian hope Dominic Thiem came through a testing workout against Simone Bolelli at Roland Garros on Wednesday, dropping the first three games before overcoming the Italian qualifier 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 to advance to the next round.
Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin sailed through, but French hopes suffered a huge blow as 12th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga crashed out to Renzo Olivo in his opening match.