Ostapenko stuns Pliskova; Djokovic routs Berankis

PARIS — Former champion Jelena Ostapenko made a big statement at the French Open by dismissing Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 6-2 in the second round on Thursday in Paris.

Latvia’s Ostapenko missed two match points after a double-fault but composed herself on the third opportunity to wrap up the contest in 69 minutes.

Men’s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic continued his campaign for an 18th major title after he dismantled Lithuania’s Ricardas Berankis 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 for a place in the third round.

Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas is comfortably through compared to his five-set firstround test after he eased past Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas 6-1, 6-4, 62.

Women’s fourth seed and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin rallied to a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Romanian Ana Bogdan.

And 2016 winner Garbine Murguruza, seeded 11th, advanced 63, 6-2 against Pliskova’s twin sister Kristina to play American Danielle Collins next.

After securing his 83-minute victory with an ace, Djokovic moved on to face Colombian qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan, who surpassed American Tennys Sandgren 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.

“I have never seen him play, so I’ll have to obviously look at his matches, the videos, and try to prepare myself with my team,” Djokovic commented on his next

opponent.

“It’s always dangerous facing opponents you never face before. They can really relax and play their best tennis of their lives or it can go a different way.”

Karolina Pliskova’s upset was not the only shock of the day as men’s ninth seed Denis Shapovalov lost after a five-hour

thriller against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, who prevailed 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 3-6, 8-6.

“I’m really happy that I was able to bring myself to a winning position, and then in the end it’s just a little bit unlucky,” Shapovalov said.

Baena will meet 18th seed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the next round after Dimitrov’s 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 win over Slovakia’s Andrej Martin.

Former US Open champion

Sloane Stephens, who is seeded 29th, was beaten 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 by another Spanish native in Paula Badosa, who will face Ostapenko next.

Ostapenko reached the top 10 with her lone Grand Slam success in 2017 at Roland Garros, but has slipped to a current No. 43 ranking.

“It’s hard to compare with 2017,” said Ostapenko when asked if she was finding the form that won her the title.