French Open 2021: Novak Djokovic storms into 3rd round, Bopanna-Skugor pair reaches pre quarters

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic continued his fine run at French Open 2021 as the top seed reached the 3rd round of men’s singles competition, making light work of Pablo Cuevas. The top seed needed just a little over 2 hours to beat Cuevas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 at Suzzane-Lenglen on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Coco Gauff is living up to her career-best ranking at the French Open. Ranked 25th at age 17, Gauff advanced to the third round by beating Wang Qiang 6-3, 7-6 (1). Gauff earned her first clay-court final when she beat Wang in Parma, Italy, less than two weeks ago.

Gauff has 23 match victories this season and only three women have more. She won the girls’ singles title at Roland Garros three years ago.

Rohan Bopanna in men’s doubles pre-quarters

Earlier in the day, India’s Rohan Bopanna and his Croatian partner Franko Skugor reached the pre quarter-final of the men’s doubles competition in Pairs. The duo needed only an hour and 20 minutes to beat Frances Tiafo and Nicholas Monroe of the USA 6-4, 7-5 in their 2nd round match.

Rohan Bopanna, a former doubles champion at Roland Garros, was in complete control as the unseeded pair overcame their American opponents without much trouble on the red clay.

Rohan Bopanna (AFP Photo)

Bopanna is the only remaining Indian player at the French Open. Divij Sharan, who is likely to partner Bopanna if the duo qualifies for Tokyo Games, was ousted in the first round of the men’s doubles competition at Roland Garros. Sharn and his Federico Delbonis, Ankita Raina and her partner Lauren Davis were ousted in the first round.

Bopanna, ranked 40 in the world, is not defending any points this year at the Roland Garros. He needs to earn points since this is his last chance to improve his ranking. The rankings on June 10 will be considered for entry into the Tokyo Olympics.

The combined rankings of Bopanna and Sharan will be taken into account for entries. A low ranking will scuttle their chances.

As of now only Sania Mirza is assured of a place in the women’s doubles draw. She will most likely pair with Ankita Raina.