World number one Novak Djokovic stormed to his 70th win at Roland Garros on Thursday with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Ricardas Berankis while ninth seed Denis Shapovalov crashed out following a 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 3-6, 8-6 loss to Roberto Carballes Baena.
The top seed went level with Roger Federer for career victories at the tournament, still 25 behind Rafael Nadal’s all-time best.
Djokovic, the 2016 champion, and chasing an 18th Grand Slam title, will face Colombian lucky loser Daniel Elahi Galan, ranked 153, for a place in the last 16.
“It was difficult for Ricardas in the third set as he had an injury and couldn’t move very well,” said Djokovic whose quickfire 83-minute win was eased by his opponent needing treatment on a back injury after the second set. “But I felt good just as I did in the first round and I want to continue like that.”
Spanish world number 101 Carballes Baena prevailed after a five-hour battle on Court Suzanne Lenglen to set up a clash with 18th seed Grigor Dimitrov in the last 32. The Bulgarian 18th seed beat Andrej Martin 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1.
Pliskova out
Second seed Karolina Pliskova was knocked out of Roland Garros by 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko in the second round.
The world No 43 fired 27 winners to just nine from Pliskova in a 6-4, 6-2 victory which gave her a third round match against Paula Badosa.
Reigning Australian Open champ Kenin needed to dig deep, rallying from a set down to defeat Ana Bogdan, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Sabalenka had a tough first set but then raced to beat Daria Kasatkina 7-6(6), 6-0.