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Novak Djokovic powers through at French Open, Jannik Sinner makes statement

It was straightforward for Novak Djokovic
It was straightforward for Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic notched his 99th career French Open win with a clinical 6-3 6-4 6-2 defeat of Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic to reach the fourth round on a memorable Saturday night in Paris.

As 40,000 fans watched Paris St Germain's Champions League final on video screens across the road at the Parc des Princes, the 38-year-old Serbian turned on the style on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Three-times champion Djokovic, bidding for an historic 25th Grand Slam title, was given a thorough workout at times by his 23-year-old opponent but more than matched Misolic's power and always looked in complete control.

Earlier, world number one Jannik Sinner delivered a flawless performance to pulverise Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-0 6-1 6-2 in little more than 90 minutes to issue a ominous warning to other title contenders.

The 23-year-old Italian, who returned to tennis in May after a three-month-doping ban, won the first 11 games in a row, and has so far found no resistance en route to the last 16.

He has yet to drop a set in his second tournament back, after reaching the final in Rome earlier in the month.

Jannik Sinner: 'I am very happy'

"Today I was playing really, really well," Sinner said. "He was serving very well and brave. But I am very happy.

"My coach had (his) birthday yesterday and usually when he has birthday I don't play good. Luckily I was not playing yesterday."

"This morning I said to my team I feel well," he added. "I warmed up feeling really well, trying to go on court with a good focus. My team gave me the right tactics. It is a combination also being happy on court."

Jack Draper's French Open campaign continued in style as the Briton ended Brazilian poster boy Joao Fonseca's run with a ruthless 6-2 6-4 6-2 victory to reach the fourth round.

The British fifth seed, who made it to the semi-finals at last year's US Open, was facing a potentially tricky test against the flashy Fonseca, who at 18 already has his army of fans and whose brilliant play has caught the eye at Roland Garros.

The left-handed Draper, however, was not impressed, letting his opponent shine at times but keeping things under control as dark clouds made way for the sun on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

"I knew it was going to be a tight match, Joao caught the attention of everyone, the fans, so much to come from him; today a bit of experience made the difference, he's got an unbelievably bright future," said Draper.

Alexander Zverev continued his consistent form at the tournament when he overcame Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-2 7-6(4) 6-1 to reach the fourth round for an eighth consecutive year.

Zverev, who is eyeing an elusive maiden Grand Slam title after making three finals including in Paris last year, broke in the first game on Court Philippe Chatrier and barely put a foot wrong all match.

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