Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a forehand return
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a forehand return to Hungary's Marton Fucsovics during their men's singles match on day four of the French Open at the Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris on May 31, 2023. Image Credit: AFP

Paris: Novak Djokovic briefly struggled before bulldozing past Hungarian journeyman Marton Fucsovics 7-6(2) 6-0 6-3 on Wednesday to reach the French Open third round.

The world number three survived a high-octane end to the first set to advance to a clash with Spanish 29th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

"Thank you everyone for your support and presence. I hope you had fun tonight especially in the first set - me, a bit less," Djokovic said on court.

"I was not surprised, I know him very well he can play at a very high level on all surfaces. Then I played my best game. I'm very happy with that." Under the lights of Philippe Chatrier court, Djokovic, bidding for a record-breaking 23rd men's singles Grand Slam title and a third Musketeers Cup, came out with all guns blazing against the world number 83 Fucsovics.

Djokovic raced into a 3-0 lead before his opponent found his rhythm to set up three break points at 4-2.

Djokovic saved them but Fucsovics battled back to level for 5-5.

The Serbian yelled at his box on his way to the bench after holding for 6-5 before breezing through the tiebreak.

Djokovic broke his opponent's serve in the opening game of the second set and he did not look back, cruising to victory despite being broken twice more.