Novak Djokovic surged past Joao Sousa and into the third round of the French Open.

The defending champion looked in total control against a consistent player who has taken Andy Murray to four sets in their last two Grand Slam meetings.

But Djokovic had never dropped more than four games in a set to the Portuguese world No 59 and he continued that run with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 victory in which he broke his opponent’s serve twice in each set.

It was his victory here at Roland Garros last year that completed a lifetime ambition of completing the career grand slam.

Since reaching those heady heights his form has slumped but, with Andre Agassi in his corner, the 30-year-old is approaching the form that delivered a 12th major here in Paris last year.

By Mail