Novak Djokovic reached the third round at Roland Garros after a 6-3 6-2 6-4 win over Pablo Cuevas.
The Serb overcame a high-quality opening set to power past the world number 92 in straight sets.
Next for Djokovic will be Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis on Saturday.
It was a high quality opening set from both players as remarkably this was the first meeting between the two players.
Cuevas consistently was hitting powerful deep shots in all areas of the court while Djokovic’s ability to redirect the play allowed him to be more patient in rallies when finding winners.
It was the Uruguayan who would break first in the third game as he produced some confident and progressive ball-striking.
However as he so often does the world number one immediately broke back with some delightful returning and point construction.
There were some long rallies and brutal games as Cuevas went pound-for-pound with Djokovic’s immense defensive qualities.
Despite Cuevas’ court coverage and ability to trouble Djokovic with his backhand, it was the Serb who was able to outlast the Uruguayan in the big points and seal the crucial break at 5-3, with it came a massive roar of delight.
Djokovic comfortably sealed the opening set in 40 minutes as Cuevas’ head seemed to be down after playing a superb set of tennis.
In the second set the world number one continued the momentum with an early break as the Uruguayan was going for too much early on in the rally.
Djokovic’s defensive dominance into aggressive attacking play as the Serb controlled the match and played it on his terms.
Another comfortable break followed in the fifth game as Cuevas only won 42% of 1st service points in the second set.
Shortly after, Djokovic sealed a two set to love lead and another early break in the third secured a comfortable passage for the rest of the match, right?
Not quite as Cuevas had other ideas in the next game as he extended the rallies and frustrated power hitting especially on the backhand.
There was also several heated conversations between Djokovic and the crowds which were an extra element to the second game.
However despite multiple deuces and a couple of break points for the world number 92 saw Djokovic seal a massive hold for 2-0.
As Cuevas was producing effective service holds, another tricky service game for Djokovic saw him having to save another couple of break points and survive another tough examination on his serve for a 3-1 lead.
That proved to be the decisive game as Cuevas couldn’t win the big points to break Djokovic’s serve.
An ace sealed Djokovic’s place into the last 32 of Roland Garros yet again where he will face Ricardas Berankis on Saturday.
