Paris - Second seed Novak Djokovic breezed into the French Open second round with a 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 defeat of Dutchman Thiemo De Bakker on Monday, extending his unbeaten start to the season to 38 matches.The in-form Serbian, a semi-finalist here in 2007 and 2008, is on course to depose Rafael Nadal as world number one and is also closing in on John McEnroe's unbeaten season start record of 42 consecutive matches.Djokovic will play either French wild card Benoit Paire or Romania's Victor Hanescu for a place in the last 32."It's my favourite Grand Slam, even though I haven't won it yet," said Djokovic."I've been playing really well on clay. I've won three (claycourt) tournaments (Belgrade, Madrid and Rome) in the last few weeks, so I'm trying to build on that confidence."Wearing strapping below his right knee, Djokovic broke De Bakker's serve at the first attempt and then broke again to take the first set with an inside-out forehand winner that left the off-balance De Bakker rooted to the spot.The world number 71 offered belated resistance in the second set, falling 5-0 down before holding serve and then bringing up a break point that he looked to have converted with a flashing forehand return.The umpire overturned the line call, however, and moments later Djokovic had established a two-sets lead after his opponent found the net with a return.Djokovic, whose seven titles this season include the Australian Open and four Masters events, continued to have his own way in the third set and completed the win on his third match point when De Bakker dragged a backhand into the net.
Follow Sport24 on Twitter and Facebook
24.com publishes all comments posted on articles provided that they adhere to our Comments Policy. Should you wish to report a comment for editorial review, please do so by clicking the 'Report Comment' button to the right of each comment.
Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer
David Ferrer
He's without peer on clay. Easy victory for him
Some rank outsider will shock him...
View Results | Vote Archive
65% Novak Djokovic
9% Roger Federer
5% David Ferrer
14% He's without peer on clay. Easy victory for him
6% Some rank outsider will shock him...
Vote Archive
GEN De La Rey says the Stormers have had a pretty bad run when it comes to refs, assistant refs and TMO calls this season. He says such glaring ref errors have no place in the professional game.
Twitter Follow Sport24 on Twitter
Newsletters Sign up for Sport24's Morning Glory newsletter
Blogs Yes your opinion counts. Get it out there
WIN Enter and win with Sport24!
Mobile Sport24 on your mobile phone - WAP, alerts, downloads, services
BlackBerry Stay in the loop on your BlackBerry
iPhone Latest Sport24 news on your iPhone
Facebook "Like" Sport24's Facebook page
TV schedule Plan your couch time with our searchable sport TV guide
RSS Feeds Sport news delivered really simply.