Djokovic advances;alcohol banned from stands

MANILA, Philippines — Novak Djokovic reached the French Open last 32 for the 19th successive year on Thursday as Roland Garros organizers banned alcohol from the stands in an effort to counter disruption from rowdy fans.

Defending champion Djokovic cracked 43 winners past Spain’s 63rd-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena to canter to a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win.

The three-time champion, seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, goes on to face 30th seed Lorenzo Musetti.

“It was a difficult match against Roberto. He hit a lot of very good and precise shots,” said Djokovic.

Also easing through to the third round on another rain-hit day in the French capital were women’s title contenders Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina.

The behavior of fans at the tournament, which was brought into focus by Belgium’s David Goffin’s claim that he had chewing gum spat at him, prompted a series of measures to clamp down on loutish behavior.

However, alcohol including beer from mobile vendors, will still be sold around the grounds. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said fans will be ejected if they throw something at a player.

Fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who effectively ended Rafael Nadal’s French Open career in the first round, defeated Goffin 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-2.

On Friday, a Berlin court will hear an appeal by Zverev against a fine for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend. He received a $487,000 fine in October but appealed the ruling earlier this year, leading to a full trial.

 Sabalenka fired 27 winners past Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchijima to win 6-2, 6-2 while fourth-seeded Rybakina, the only woman to defeat Swiatek on clay this year, eased past Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-4.