Novak Djokovic recovers to beat Roberto Bautista Agut and progress

The former champion found himself a break down in the third set to the Spaniard, but staged a strong response to secure his place in the next round.

Djokovic, who triumphed at Roland Garros in 2016, eventually took the third set tie-break after Bautista Agut levelled the match up.

As the rain poured in Paris, Djokovic stormed through the fourth set as his opponent wavered to ensure the victory.

The Serb will next take on another Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco, after he dumped out fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov.

After consoling his opponent at the net Djokovic saluted the crowd who raised their umbrellas in approval.

"It was a magnificent four hours of tennis, I'm very tired but delighted to come through," 2016 champion Djokovic said on court in accomplished French. "He plays with so much consistency you have to have patience."

Djokovic is playing at his lowest seeding at a Grand Slam since 2006 having dropped to 22 in the world rankings but has now reached the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the 43rd time -- second on the all-time list behind Roger Federer.

Bautista Agut faded in the third set as Djokovic marched into the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the 43rd time, second on the all-time list behind Roger Federer.

After consoling his opponent at the net, Djokovic saluted the crowd who raised their colourful umbrellas in approval, clearly enjoying the 2016 champion's resurgence.

"I think for a set and a half and the fourth set, I have played pretty well. The fourth set was the best performance I have had in the tournament," Djokovic, who next plays Spanish left-hander Fernando Verdasco, said.

After some dark moments since completing his career grand slam at Roland Garros in 2016, the sky appears to be finally brightening for Djokovic who needed elbow surgery this year.

"You go through a rainbow of emotions. Every possible level of the colour of the rainbow, you go through it," he said.

"That's when you have to deal with this kind of emotions and understand how you can get better, how you balance everything that is happening inside so you can come out the next challenge and learn from it and be