Novak Djokovic striving for perfection and more aggression after easing into Roland Garros fourth round

Novak Djokovic had no problems seeing off Aljaz Bedene in the third round at the French Open, but the defending champion is still looking to up his game ahead of more serious challenges.
The world No 1 required only one hour and 45 minutes to beat Bedene on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Friday, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-2.
Smooth sailing ⛵@DjokerNole is through to his 13th consecutive fourth round at#RolandGarros defeating Bedene 6-3, 6-3 6-2. pic.twitter.com/wVOz9Brcfm
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2022
While Djokovic was comfortable on his own serve, the Slovenian saved five break points in his first two service games and it was no surprise when the Serbian broke in game six.
That was followed by two breaks in the second set and two in the third set as the 20-time Grand Slam produced an accomplished display.
“It’s not possible to play perfectly but to strive to play close to perfection,” he said in his post-match interview.
“I want to play my characteristic game, my aggressive game. It is not always possible but today it was very good.”
Djokovic will face 15th seed Diego Schwartzman for a place in the quarter-final after the Argentine beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6-1, 6-1.
“I am very happy because a few weeks ago, Grigor beat me very easily,” Schwartzman said. “Now things have changed a little bit. I played a great match and I think I improved. I was thinking with my team yesterday about what to improve for this match because Grigor has been playing great tennis.
“I think the conditions today being a little bit slower [meant] I was feeling the ball very well. I was very focused and only at the beginning of the third set were the nerves here in my shoulder and it was not easy. But at the end I think I played a great match and that is why the score is like this.”
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Jodie Burrage adding to the momentum behind Brits ahead of Wimbledon
Burrage’s journey, not only on grass courts but on tour as a whole, has not been smooth sailing.
-
Wimbledon
Exclusive – Rumours over Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon withdrawal as John Lloyd gives his verdict
US Open champion Raducanu has not played since withdrawing from the Rothesay Open Nottingham with the injury that continues to trouble her.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon: Jack Draper feels ‘ready to be dangerous’ following last four run in Eastbourne
Draper was beaten in the Eastbourne semi-finals by Maxime Cressy on Friday.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu can rise above the pressure and deliver at Wimbledon
The 19-year-old sparked more fears around her fitness by pulling out of a practice session on Friday.
-
News
Eastbourne: Jack Draper misses out on maiden ATP final
Cressy continued his conquering of the British players to edge through 7-6 (5) 6-7 (2) 6-3.
-
News
Ukraine grateful to Wimbledon for its decision to ban Russian players
The Ukrainian teenager says she has been “constantly disappointed” at the reaction of tennis since Russia’s invasion.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal making the most of every minute on grass
Rafael Nadal is upbeat ahead of Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Emma Raducanu’s agent defends teen star’s work schedule
Emma Raducanu’s agent Max Eisenbud insists the young star’s off-court commitments have not impacted her performance at all.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu should limit off-court obligations according to former prodigy
Pam Shriver says she doesn’t expect much from Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray says ‘I still believe I can win Wimbledon’ and working hard to ‘achieve that goal’
Andy Murray believes he can win a third Wimbledon title.