Djokovic through after Lapentti injury

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:30

The Serbian was leading 6-3 3-1 when Ecuador’s Lapentti threw in the towel because of left ankle problems.

Lapentti turned his ankle, which had already been heavily strapped prior to the match, in the eighth game of the first set.

More strapping was applied during a treatment break but he continued to feel discomfort and gave up at the end of the fourth game of the second set, in which he was already a break down.

Notwithstanding Lapentti’s injury, Djokovic was in control of matters throughout in windy conditions on Philippe Chatrier court.

The 22-year-old, a semi-finalist for the past two years, is a genuine contender for the title and he dominated the first set, breaking in the fourth game to go 3-1 up.

That was all he needed to wrap up the opener and he broke in the first game of the second set to leave world number 102 Lapentti a mountain to climb.

When the 32-year-old veteran went 3-1 down, he walked to the net with a rueful smile and conceded.

Djokovic will play Brian Dabul or Sergiy Stakhovsky in the second round.

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