Djokovic’s stars line up

PARIS, He may be carrying a little more around the middle than in his Roland Garros pomp, but the star appeal of Andre Agassi was undeniable at the French Open on Wednesday as his new charge Novak Djokovic romped to a second-round win.
Almost as many cameras were trained on the US tennis star as were trained on Djokovic throughout the latter’s 6-1 6-4 6-3 dismantling of Portugal’s Joao Sousa.
Reigning champion Djokovic teamed up with 1999 champion Agassi in a dream-team player-coach combination just before the start of the tournament.
Already the signs were good on Court Suzanne Lenglen. There was a spring in the step of the world No. 2 that had seemed missing in recent months.
“Well, that’s what these ‘Super-coaches’ give you,” former world No. 1 and triple French champion Mats Wilander said. “They help you with all the little things. Obviously, they know what it is like, they know what you need to be a champion.”
Djokovic looked every bit a champion as he controlled his opponent throughout, with Agassi closely monitoring from courtside, a look of concern occasionally clouding his mien. But Agassi needn’t have worried. Having raced through the first set in a little over half an hour, second seed Djokovic established his rhythm and then just pulled away.
Understated Nadalhits top gear
To Rafa Nadal’s extraordinary list of achievements in Paris, the nine-time champion might well add ‘Master of Understatement’. “I think I played a good match,” the Spaniard offered, almost as a question, when asked about his form in thrashing Robin Haase 6-1 6-4 6-3. There would be few in the crowds who would disagree with that analysis — least of all Dutchman Haase, who appeared shell-shocked at the end.
Defending champ Muguruza survives Kontaveit scare
Spaniard Garbine Muguruza had to claw her way back from a set down to survive a scare from talented Anett Kontaveit and move into Round 3 with a 6-7 6-4 6-2 win.
Home favourite Kristina Mladenovic put her back pain behind her as she cruised into third round with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Italy’s Sara Errani.