Jannik Sinner was pleased with his progress but said there was room to “improve a couple of things” after cruising past home favourite Richard Gasquet to reach the French Open third round.The world No. 2, bidding for a second consecutive major victory following his maiden Grand Slam triumph in Australia in January, was largely untroubled by the veteran Frenchman in a 6-4 6-2 6-4 win.
For Sinner, it was a second comfortable win in a row after his win over Christopher Eubanks as he continued an encouraging start despite concerns over a recent hip injury.
“For sure better than the first match. We try to keep practising and improve day by day,” Sinner said after the match.
“I know I can improve a couple of things. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a very special tournament for me so hopefully I can show some good tennis.”
Gasquet, 37, produced some moments of vintage class but couldn’t truly threaten the Italian as he bowed out of his 21st and potentially final Roland-Garros.
“As a player he gave and still gives so much to tennis, it’s so nice to have him around,” Sinner said of the Frenchman.
“I wish him the best for the rest of the season. He’s still playing incredible tennis.”
There was little to split the players in the opening stages, but Sinner moved up a gear in game seven to break for a 4-3 lead as Gasquet double-faulted at the worst possible moment, handing the Italian the chance to consolidate before serving out the opening set.
Things went from bad to worse for a home crowd hoping to see one last hurrah from their local hero when Gasquet’s serve was broken in the opening game of a one-sided second set.
