PARIS. – Top seed Novak Djokovic began his quest for a second French Open title with a superb 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 win over young Swede Mikael Ymer on another rain-hit day at Roland Garros on Tuesday.
Playing under the roof of Court Philippe Chatrier, the world No. 1 said following his demolition job he was “physically, mentally, emotionally” ready to go deep in the tournament and secure his 18th major.
Youngsters Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas also reached the next round but the pair were forced to work hard as they both ground out five-set wins over their opponents.
Russian 13th seed Rublev came back from the brink to overcome Sam Querrey 6-7(5), 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-4, 6-3, while Tsitsipas appeared to be on his way out before switching gears to beat Spaniard Jaume Munar 4-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.
Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin was cruising into the second round before a rain delay threw her off track, but the American regained her focus to see off big-hitting Russian Liudmila Samsonova 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova managed to stem the flow of errors from her racket before beating Egyptian qualifier and Grand Slam debutant Mayar Sherif 6-7(9), 6-2, 6-4.
Teenage Danish qualifier Clara Tauson saved two match points before stunning American 21st seed Jennifer Brady 6-4, 3-6, 9-7.
