Nole overcame the third spherical problem to progress into the final 16 in Paris.

Third seed Novak Djokovic superior to the fourth spherical of Roland Garros on Friday afternoon, following a hard-fought win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-2.

The primary two units on Courtroom Philippe-Chatrier have been entertaining and filled with twists. Novak and Alejandro exchanged breaks twice within the opening set and thrice within the second. The 36-year-old Serbian star went on to win each tie-breaks for a two units to like lead in opposition to the twenty ninth seed from Spain.

Djokovic took management within the third set for a hard-earned three-hour, 36-minute victory, persevering with his quest in the direction of a report twenty third main.

“I knew it was going to be a really tough match, a really bodily match,” the two-time French Open champion stated. “We performed three hours for under two units. He contested very properly. He’s a tremendous fighter and a tremendous participant. He has only a few weaknesses in his recreation. Congratulations to him for combating. Dangerous luck, however he performed an incredible match. A win is a win. The primary two units, three hours, I believed if I lose the second set, I’ll in all probability be taking part in 5 hours right now. You need to be prepared. That’s what Grand Slams are all about, taking part in finest of 5. You need to consider in your self and take advantage of out of it. I’m happy with the efficiency right now.”

Match statistics: aces (1-3), double faults (6-2), winners (27-34), unforced errors (38-51), complete factors received (124-110).

Novak is thru to the fourth spherical at Roland Garros for the 14th yr in a row.

His subsequent rival might be Juan Pablo Varillas (ESP, ATP #94) who defeated thirteenth seed Hubert Hurkacz (POL) in 5 units.

Photograph: Profimedia