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Novak Djokovic continued to keep expectations low for the French Open as he continued to build on his form with an encouraging performance on Thursday. Djokovic reached the third round in Paris with a comfortable 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win over Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena.
“I don’t want to get ahead of today because I haven’t had really great form before Roland Garros,” Djokovic said. “So I have to keep my expectations a little bit lower. Of course, the hopes and beliefs and convictions are always there, always high, and I always aim for the highest star, so to speak. But I’m very aware of the moment and what needs to be done on a day-to-day basis to build my form as the tournament progresses, hopefully, and then peak at the right time when it matters most.”
Following recent complaints from David Goffen and Iga Svetek about unruly fan behavior in Paris, Djokovic had his own confrontation with a spectator sitting in the front row of Court Philippe-Chatrier after they booed before Djokovic hit a ball during a rally in the first set. Djokovic said he supported Goffen’s spirited response after he faced abuse from biased French fans.
“It’s a fine line when that line is crossed and when it starts to become disrespectful to the player,” Djokovic said. “In these cases, I understand that a player like Goffen the other day reacted because I have experienced these specific situations quite a few times. So I support a player who stands up to people who disrespect and abuse him. It is not always possible to tolerate. Of course, this is very necessary because you don’t want to spend unnecessary energy elsewhere. But sometimes you just have to stand up to someone who’s making fun of you. That’s all you can do.
Alexander Zverev followed up his win over Rafael Nadal by reaching the second round with a 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-2 win over Goffen. Zverev’s win means he remains in the tournament as his public trial for allegedly physically abusing his former partner Brenda Patea begins on Friday in Berlin. The 27-year-old is not required to attend the trial but can be summoned by the judge with a week’s notice. Zverev was initially issued with a penalty order with fines totaling €450,000 (£392,000). Zverev contested the criminal ruling, which opened the case to a public trial. Zverev denies the allegations.
Amelie Moresmo, French Open Championship tournament director, said Zverev would be free to play pending a decision in the process. Meanwhile, the ATP has yet to announce the results of the safeguarding review they undertook in 2021 following separate allegations of abuse by another former girlfriend of Zverev’s, Olga Sharipova.
Daniil Medvedev reached the third round after Miomir Kecmanovic retired while trailing 6-1, 5-0, and Paula Badosa beat Yulia Putintseva 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 to set up a meeting with her close friend Aryna Sabalenka, who eased to a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Moyuka Uchijima. Badosa then offered a take on Swiatek’s criticism of the French crowds after her win over Naomi Osaka on Wednesday.
“I don’t think she can complain because I played on court eight and nine and you can hear everything,” Badossa said. “I can hear [Courts] Suzanne-Lenglen, Philippe-Chatrier, court six, court seven during the points. I think she’s very lucky to be able to play Philippe-Chatrier all the time and that’s good. But I don’t mind. Like I said, I’ve been playing small courts these days and hearing so much noise. At the moment I’m so focused on myself and my match that it doesn’t bother me. Honestly, I like it when the fans cheer and all that. I think I’m getting turned on.’
In positive news for Swiatek, still tournament favorite Jelena Ostapenko, the ninth seed, fell 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3 to Klara Tosson of Denmark. Ostapenko has a 4-0 record against the Pole and beat her at the US Open last year. In-form Danielle Collins was also defeated on Thursday, losing 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4 to Olga Danilovic of Serbia.
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