World number two, Daniil Medvedev, defeated Laslo Djere 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 on Court Philippe-Chatrier after two hours and 36 minutes.
In his on-court interview, the Moscow native asserted: “Today, I think, to be honest, Laslo was playing the better clay-court tennis. But I managed to fight and just put one more ball in the court than him, and it was a very tough match, but I am happy to win.”
The 26-year-old advanced into the third round of the French Open for the second time in his career; last year, he achieved the quarterfinals, falling to Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets.
Following his victory over Djere, the 2022 Australian Open finalist - lost to eventual champion Rafael Nadal - will face the in-form, 28th seed, Miomir Kecmanovic, for a place in the fourth round.
The Serbian came back from a set down to edge Alexander Bublik 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-1, next playing Medvedev for the first time on tour.
The 22-year-old is enjoying a great season, advancing to five consecutive quarterfinals, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago de Chile, Indian Wells, Miami, and Belgrade.
Moreover, he achieved the semifinals in Munich at the ATP 250 BMW Open by American Express, falling to Dutch Botic van de Zandschulp last week.
MEDVEDEV ON CLAY
Making his sixth appearance at Roland Garros, the second seed got broken early in the opener but recovered quickly, breaking back to level up at 2-2.
After an eight-minute challenging game, Medvedev managed to hold, taking the lead 3-2, producing a double break over the Serbian.
In addition, he would save a break point in the ninth game, fighting his opponent to earn the first set 6-3 in 47 minutes.
Making good use of one of his best weapons, his serve, he won 74 (17/23) percent of his first-serve points. Also, hit 11 winners (4 aces), committing only seven unforced errors.
The reigning U.S. Open champion took the second set 6-4 in 48 minutes.
Furthermore, Medvedev dominated the third set, producing three breaks of serve over Djere, marching to seal the encounter.
Overall, he converted 7 of 18 breakpoints, firing 28 winners and 26 unforced errors compared to his rival’s 3 of 8 breakpoints, 39 and 68, respectively.
The 13-time ATP titlist set off his campaign in Paris, winning his first match on clay thus far into the 2022 season against Argentine Facundo Bagnis 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 in 99 minutes.
A PAUSE ON TOUR ACTION
Medvedev underwent surgery on a hernia, forcing him to stay away from the tennis courts for over one month.
Ahead of the French Open, he made his first appearance in Geneva, losing in the first round of the Gonet Geneva Open to Frenchman Richard Gasquet, lacking the ideal match fitness upon arrival in Paris.
However, during his opening matches, the 2020 Nitto ATP Finals winner has showcased a solid tennis display, finding his rhythm in each matchup.
Considering the clay surface is not his favorite, Medvedev is adjusting fast and is always a candidate for the title.