Novak Djokovic vs. Steve Darcis: Score and Reaction from 2016 French Open

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic’s march toward a first career French Open title continued Thursday, as he took down the pesky Steve Darcis in a 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 second-round victory at Roland Garros.

According to the International Tennis Federation, Djokovic joined elite company with his 50th career French Open win:

Djokovic becomes 3rd player in the Open Era to record 50 wins at all 4 majors after Federer & Serena Williams. pic.twitter.com/kritOI0Gdk

— ITF (@ITF_Tennis) May 26, 2016

Djoker also furthered his Grand Slam winning streak to 23 consecutive matches by virtue of the triumph, but it didn’t come without some challenging moments, as he was charged with 42 unforced errors.

Most, including Jeff Sackmann of TennisAbstract.com, expected Nole to steamroll Darcis because of the Belgian’s lack of success on clay:

Djokovic should have it easy today. Darcis has never beaten a top-10 player on clay; best win was over #13 Youzhny, almost 10 years ago.

— Jeff Sackmann (@tennisabstract) May 26, 2016

The Serbian superstar ultimately took care of business in straight sets, but Darcis proved to be a game challenger in the opening set.

After going down 3-0, Darcis won three consecutive games, including a break of Djokovic’s serve to tighten things up.

The combatants went shot for shot over the next several games, and Darcis threatened to potentially take the first set with remarkable plays like this one, courtesy of Roland Garros on Twitter:

Darcis showing his touch! The Belgian is on serve 4-4 in the 1st set vs. No.1 Djokovic #RG16 …

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