Sinner humbles Lehecka as Americans dig deep at French Open

World number one Jannik Sinner flattened Jiri Lehecka into the French Open clay to make the fourth round and Novak Djokovic also made a statement of intent but a trio of American women led by Coco Gauff had to dig deep to progress on Saturday.

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As grey skies enveloped Roland Garros in the morning, Sinner won the opening 11 games against Czech Lehecka as fans checked their watches against the scoreboard in disbelief.

Lehecka drew loud cheers when he finally got on the board but Sinner continued his master-class with brutal clarity to secure a 6-0 6-1 6-2 win.

"I think in early stages of Grand Slams it’s good that you don’t spend so much time, if you have the chance, on court. So I’m happy to do that," Sinner said.

"In the other way, matches like this can change quickly, because if you don’t start well in one set and the match can go long and then you cannot control it."

Up next for Sinner is a clash with Andrey Rublev, who advanced after injured Frenchman Arthur Fils pulled out.

EXPLODING FIREWORKS

Djokovic was scheduled for the evening slot on Chatrier at the same time as Paris St Germain were thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 to win the Champions League in Munich.