Defending champion Novak Djokovic once again went through the gears efficiently to beat Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena to reach the third round of the French Open.
Serbia’s Djokovic, 37, won 6-4 6-1 6-2 in Paris on another rain-soaked day.
With this, he reached the round of 32 of the Clay Court Grand Slam for the 19th consecutive year.
Question marks surrounded the three-time champion and his form when he arrived at Roland Garros after a tumultuous year.
“I always have confidence and faith within me. [that] “I can win a grand slam,” he said. Djokovic did not advance to the finals this season.
“That’s why I’m still competing at this level. That’s why I’m here.
“If I didn’t believe I had what it takes to get to the title match at this age, I wouldn’t have competed in the Slams or continued to play professional tennis.”
Djokovic played his best tennis of the year against 63rd-ranked Carballes Baena, but he knows tougher tests lie ahead.
Although he did not warm up as well as he did in the opening match against Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France, he raised his level and won in straight sets.
Playing under the roof of Court Philippe Chatrier, Djokovic lost serve in the first match before the match began in cold weather.
One of the hallmarks of Djokovic’s success has been his ability to strike when it matters most.
After hitting a straight back at 1-1 and failing to convert any of his four break points at 2-1, he leveled again to beat Carballes Baena when the Spaniard had to serve to stay in the set.
On a day when the French Open asked fans to show more respect, Djokovic had to ask the referee to allow the crowd to remain quiet during points.
A whistle erupted at this, but Djokovic responded with a smile by taking control of the second set.
He continued to dominate rallies, hitting winners and breaking five more times to set up a third round match against 30th seed Lorenzo Musetti.
Italian Musetti beat home Hope Gael Monfils 7-5 6-1 6-4 in the night session at Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday afternoon.
“I have to keep my expectations a little lower” on his form, Djokovic added.
“I am very aware of the present moment and what I need to do each day to build my form and then peak when it matters most.”
