French Open: Djokovic tops Sandgren in straight sets

Novak Djokovic has kicked off his French Open campaign with a routine after demolishing Tennys Sandgren of the USA 3 sets to love.

In the first men's match to be scheduled in a night session at Roland Garros, the world no. 1 wasted no time as he dispatched his opponent effortlessly 6-2 in the opener.

Sandgren showed some resilience in the second set, but the Serbian ace held firm to stay in control to finish the set 6-4.

Djokovic, who is chasing a 19th major title to narrow the gap to 20-time Grand Slam champions Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, continued his flawless performance in the third as he took it 6-2 to end the match after 2 hours.

The Serbinator will next face Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas.

Meanwhile earlier, Rafael Nadal opened his French Open campaign in style, by dismantling Alexei Popyrin in straight sets, for his 31st consecutive win in Paris.

The 13-time Roland Garros champion, made quick work of the first and second sets against Popyrin, crushing the Australian 6-3 and 6-2 in just 78 minutes.

But it was a different story in the third set, as Popyrin broke Nadal for a 5-2 lead, and was on the verge of taking the set, before the Spaniard raised his level, to extend the play into tie-breaks, where he won six consecutive games, to wrap up the match.

The King of Clay will next take on Frenchman Richard Gasquet for a place in the third round.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk