Sinner drops only three games as Djokovic sets up Norrie test

French Open 2025

Location: Roland Garros, May 25 – June

Jannik Sinner defeated Jiri Lehecka to advance to the French Open fourth round, dropping only three games in a flawless performance.

With a 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 victory, the Italian top seed defeated the Czech world number 34 in one hour, 35 minutes.

Sinner put together a classy performance that included winning 11 games in a row to start the match, dropping only nine points on the serve and making 31 winners out of nine unforced errors.

In straight sets, three-time champion Novak Djokovic defeated Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic to set up a meeting with Cameron Norrie, who is also a three-time champion.

In a match frequently stymied by Parisian fans celebrating Paris St-Germain’s 5-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan, the Serb won 6-3,6-4,6-2.

Sinner’s success resulted in 64 straight victories over opponents who were outside the top 20.

The three-time major champion admitted, “I don’t think I can improve much after today because every opponent is different.”

“I told my team that I was feeling well and physically ready this morning.” Because the beginning is crucial for confidence, we had to work hard in the beginning.

Andrey Rublev, the 17th seed, will face Sinner in a race for a spot in the quarter-finals in the quest for his first French Open title.

Sinner’s merciless destruction of Lehecka underscored his reputation as the man to beat with his recent two Grand Slam victories, both in the US Open and Australian Open hard courts.

The Italian, who moved around the court from the beginning, exerted great athleticism and control of the action.

In a 23-minute first set, Sinner made just one unforced error.

Lehecka finally rose to 3-1 in the second set to receive cheers from the audience on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Despite the scoreline, he remained positive and responded by grinning and raising both of his arms in the air in celebration.

It turned out to be Djokovic’s masterful display against Misolic, who was chasing his 25th Grand Slam title despite missing nine of their opening nine break points.

The 23-year-old Austrian had qualified for the major and defeated former top 10 player Denis Shapovalov in the second round. He was playing in the main draw for the first time.

But he was unable to outmatch Djokovic, who only allowed one break point and 14 unforced errors to score 33 winners.

The 38-year-old said, “I was strong throughout the big moments in all three sets.”

“Filip and I trained together, and he had nothing to lose.” I’m delighted for him, and I’m pleased that his performance performed so well.

Victory was Djokovic’s 99th clay-court major victory since he last won it in 2023.

He continued, “Every time I step on this court, I’m playing for history.”

“This sport, which has given me everything in my life, is incredible.” I want to recoup the love I feel while playing.

Third seed Alexander Zverev defeated unseeded Italian Flavio Cobolli in straight sets to advance to the fourth round.

Zverev, who won his first Grand Slam title last year, continued his quest with a 6-2, 7-6, 6-1 victory.

After defeating American Ethan Quinn 4-6 6-1 6-7 (2-7) 6-1 6-4, Zverev will next face unseeded Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.