Defending champion Novak Djokovic sealed a routine 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win over unseeded Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena and motored into the French Open third round on Thursday as tournament organisers stepped up their fight against unruly fans by announcing an alcohol ban in the stands while also dealing with the wet-weather backlog.

Djokovic has been some way from his convincing best in an erratic season where he is bidding to win a record-extending 25th grand slam title.

Having nosed ahead on serve in the ninth game, the 37-year-old Djokovic set up break point with a big overhead smash after a 24-shot rally and pounced to take the first set.

Djokovic moved up a few notches in the next set for a 4-0 lead before his 31-year-old opponent even got on the board and the three-time Roland Garros champion tightened his vice-like grip on the contest in double quick time.

The pair’s previous two encounters were both at hardcourt majors but the outcome was no different on Parisian clay as Djokovic sauntered ahead 5-1 in the third set and wrapped up the victory.

“I’m glad that I came through the opening [two] rounds in straight sets,” Djokovic said. “He was playing very well, aggressive from the start. Crucial break to clinch the first set. After that, the second and third set really went my way.”

Zverev fells Goffin

World No. 4 Alexander Zverev reached the third round with a 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-2 victory over experienced Belgian DavidGoffin.

The German, who ousted 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal in the opening round, had to work hard to win the first-set tiebreak but broke early in the second.

Former quarter finalist Goffin nearly broke Zverev’s serve in the fourth game but the German held firm, mixing up his game well to close out the match.

“I was happy that I ran away with it but also happy that I played well,” said Zverev, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the 2022 French Open semi-finals.

Daniil Medvedev cantered into the French Open third round when his Serbian opponent, Miomir Kecmanovic, retired due to injury when he was trailing 6-1, 5-0.

Second seed sails

Among women, second seed Aryna Sabalenka beat Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchijima 6-2, 6-2 under the roof on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Uchijima, playing in the second round of a grand slam tournament for the first time, could not cope with Sabalenka’s powerful serve and groundstrokes.

Sabalenka will take on close friend Paula Badosa of Spain for a place in the last 16. Badosa defeated Yulia Putintseva 4-6, 6-1, 7-5.

Fourth-seeded Rybakina, the only woman to defeat Iga Swiatek on clay this year, eased past Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-4.

Elina Svitolina displayed her tenacity and skill as she triumphed over Parisian Diane Parry 6-4, 7-6(3).