Djokovic, Sabalenka advance to French Open fourth round

Twice champion Novak Djokovic was later given a thorough examination of his physical and mental toughness by Spanish 29th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina before the Serbian pulled through with a 7-6(4) 7-6(5) 6-2 victory.

The 36-year-old said he was adjusting to the reality of his body behaving differently.

"Sometimes you need help from the physio during the match. Sometimes you need pills," Djokovic said. "Sometimes you need help from God or angels. Sometimes you just have to deal with the reality.

"Reality for me nowadays is that my body is responding differently than it did a few years ago. I have to adjust to this new reality."

Sabalenka was questioned about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and her country's role as a staging ground for Moscow's troops after her second-round victory earlier this week and said on Friday she did not feel safe in that press conference.

She added that her decision not to take part in Friday's press conference was supported by the French Open organisers, who said they would not fine her, and the second seed had an interaction with a hand-picked group of reporters instead.

"After my match (on Wednesday) I spoke with the media like I normally do," Sabalenka told the reporters after beating Russian Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2 6-2.

"I know they still expect some questions that are more about the politics and not so much about my tennis.

"For many months now I have answered these questions at tournaments and been very clear in my feelings and my thoughts. These questions do not bother me after my matches.

"I know that I have to provide answers to the media on things not related to my tennis or my matches, but on Wednesday I did not feel safe in the press conference."

Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas