Paris (AFP)
The world No.1 Novak Djokovic was not disturbed by the downpour which suddenly interrupted his match in the third round of Roland Garros against the lucky Colombian loser Daniel Elahi Galan, swept away 6-0, 6-3, 6 -2 Saturday.
In the round of 16, Djokovic will face Russian Karen Khachanov (16th), striker of Chilean Cristian Garin (19th) earlier in the day.
As in his first two matches, the Serb has only let five games slip.
It was in fact the rain, which suddenly fell at the start of the second set, which made this part exceed two hours.
Both players continued to play at first as the new roof of Central Court closed, but as the maneuver required around 15 minutes and the downpour intensified, the match was briefly interrupted as Djokovic led 2 -1 in the second round.
The late decision to stop the game forced the maintenance services to intervene, equipped with a wheelbarrow of dirt and rakes, to restore the court.
Even "Djoko" lent a hand with a few strokes of the rake.
"I'm happy with my game today (Saturday), I played aggressively and served well when needed," said the Serbian.
If he were to be crowned on Parisian clay, Djokovic would become the first player of the Open era, and only the third in history, after Australians Rod Laver and Roy Emerson, to offer himself at least twice each the four Grand Slam trophies.
© 2020 AFP