French Open 2017: Novak Djokovic overcomes Joao Sousa in straight sets

ByReuters

Updated 01/06/2017 at 06:27 GMT

Novak Djokovic defeated Joao Sousa in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 on Wednesday to progress to Round Three of the French Open as new coach Andre Agassi stole the show.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates victory with the ball boys and girls at the 2017 French Open at Roland Garros

Image credit: Getty Images

He may be carrying a little more around the middle than in his Roland Garros pomp, but the star appeal of Agassi was undeniable on Wednesday as his new charge Djokovic romped to a second-round win.

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Almost as many cameras were trained on the U.S. tennis star as were trained on Djokovic throughout the latter's dismantling of Portugal's Sousa.

Djokovic: I found my zone, which is encouraging

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 number two that had seemed missing in recent months.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia in discussion with coach Andre Agassi during practice on day one of the 2017 French Open at Roland Garros

Image credit: Reuters

"Well, that's what these 'Super-coaches' give you," former world number one and triple French champion Mats Wilander told Reuters.

"They help you with all the little things. Obviously, they know what it is like, they know what you need to be a champion."

Highlights: Djokovic breezes past Sousa

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.

He next meets Argentine Diego Schwartzman in the third round.

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