French Open: Novak Djokovic cruises to last 16, beats Bautista Agut in 3rd round

Paris: Former champion Novak Djokovic claimed a hard fought 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 victory over a grieving Roberto Bautista Agut on Friday to book his spot in the French Open fourth round.

The 31-year-old former world number one struggled at times on Suzanne Lenglen court, but eventually came through the four-set battle in three hours and 48 minutes.

Djokovic has now made the last 16 of a Slam for the 43rd time, tying Jimmy Connors on the all-time list.

Djokovic, seeded 20 after struggling to find his best form since returning from an elbow injury, will take on Fernando Verdasco for a last-eight place after the Spaniard knocked out fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov.

The Serbian has now made the second week at Roland Garros for the last nine years in a row.

Bautista Agut was playing in Paris despite the death of his mother last week.