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And the favorites continue to roll at the French Open. Today, Rafael Nadal continued to dominate his favorite event, crushing his countryman Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 in the French Open second round.
“I’m very happy,” said Nadal. “I think I played a good match. The score is easier than what the match was like. I think I did a few things very well.
“My footwork was better. I felt better than during the first round. I’m very happy with my performance and result.”
Nadal, who lost to Almagro a year ago, is now 67-1 at the premier clay event on the planet.
Novak Djokovic was on later with the top seed easily winning in straight sets over Gilles Muller 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. But the story is the health of the World No. 1 who appeared to injure his right leg. Djokovic received treatment for the ailment which, at times, impacted his movement on court.
“Well, thankfully it’s nothing major,” said Djokovic. “So it’s not a concern for the next match, which is the most important thing, obviously. It wasn’t pleasant with the conditions that were changing today, and I think a little bit of heavier conditions made the court a little bit more wet and it was pretty slippery.
“So I think that’s when it happened, I made a couple of slides that were quite, I’d say, unusual with change of directions. And it happened in those dynamic movements, jammed the hip a little bit. Thankfully it’s nothing serious, really. It’s going to be fine.”
Andy Murray was the first Big 4 member to drop a set, but no harm was done as the Scot ran his clay streak to 12 defeating Joao Sousa 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
The next wave continued to surprise. Australian 19-year-old Thanasi Kokkinakis overcame a 2-set deficit and three match points to stun his countryman Bernard Tomic 3-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 8-6. Tomic led 5-2 in the final set and held three match points at 5-3.
Kokkinaki and Borna Coric, who beat Tommy Robredo in 5, became the first teenagers to reach the third round at Roland Garros since Ernests Gulbis (19) reached the quarterfinals in 2008. Kokkinakis will face Djokovic on Saturday in the third round while the Croatian Coric clashes with either Jack Sock or Pablo Carreno Busta.
While Sock advanced, John Isner was sent off by Jeremy Chardy who has now beaten the American big man in all three of their meetings.
Also, Marin Cilic ran his Grand Slam win streak to nine. David Ferrer cruised and Richard Gasquet and Carlos Berlocq were suspended at 2 sets apiece.
Tomorrow, Roger Federer continues his quest for a second French Open against little-known Damir Dzumher. Stan Wawrinka and the big three Frenchman – Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon – are also in action.
FRIDAY FRENCH OPEN SCHEDULE
Philippe-Chatrier Court 11:00 AM Start
Alize Cornet (FRA)[29] vs. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO)
Damir Dzumhur (BIH) vs. Roger Federer (SUI)[2]
Samantha Stosur (AUS)[26] vs. Maria Sharapova (RUS)[2]
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)[14] vs. Pablo Andujar (ESP)
Suzanne-Lenglen Court 11:00 AM Start
Ana Ivanovic (SRB)[7] vs. Donna Vekic (CRO)
Nicolas Mahut (FRA) vs. Gilles Simon (FRA)[12]
Gael Monfils (FRA)[13] vs. Pablo Cuevas (URU)[21]
Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP)[8] vs. Flavia Pennetta (ITA)[28]
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