Novak Djokovic holds off late Kei Nishikori resistance

Serbia's Novak Djokovic eased past Japan's Kei Nishikori on Friday, winning 6-1 6-4 6-4 to reach the third round of the French Open.

The third seed had to work hard during the two hour 40 minute contest and was relieved to seal victory in straight sets against a tigerish opponent ranked down at 246.

Djokovic, playing a day late after the match fell foul of the weather on Thursday, dominated for two sets but the 20-year-old Nishikori, the youngest player to reach the second round, produced some stubborn late resistance.

Djokovic had to save several break points at 3-4 in the third set and ended the match looking a little battle-weary after a heavy tumble left the back of his shirt caked in red clay dust.