Djokovic goes back to black for easy win at French Open

Published November 20, 2014

By Mark Meadows

PARIS (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic is in such formidable form he could afford to wear an all-black outfit on a boiling hot day and still breeze into the French Open third round on Wednesday.

The Serb, who donned all white in his first-round romp, secured his 39th consecutive victory in 2011 after Romania's Victor Hanescu pulled out with a leg problem while trailing 6-4 6-1 2-3.

Successive final wins over five-times Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal in Madrid and Rome have raised expectations the second seed can dethrone the Spaniard, especially after the world number one's struggle against John Isner on Tuesday.

"He has always had the qualities to be at the top of the men's game. It's going to be a challenge for both of us and a great match for people to see."

Hanescu put up a decent fight but was never really in the match and suddenly decided to call it a day during a changeover after massaging his leg.

A slimline Djokovic was solid in all departments and again fluently slid around the court with a new gluten-free diet one of the reasons he has given for his stunning form.

"I served really well during the whole match so that makes me happy for the upcoming rounds," Australian Open champion Djokovic said. "I could have returned a bit better."

Del Potro, the 25th seed, was looking forward to taking on his friend Djokovic after overcoming Blaz Kavcic 6-3 6-2 6-4.

"It's special he's trying to make a record here, to be No. 1 also, and I want to be ready for a fight," the Argentine said.

"I don't know if I can win or not, but, you know, it will be beautiful match for me. I'm a great friend of him. We have a very good relationship."

Asked if Djokovic has any weaknesses, Del Potro smiled: "No, not this year, not at all."

(Editing by Martyn Herman)

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