Novak Djokovic beats Aljaz Bedene to reach last 16 in Paris

Novak Djokovic defeated Britain's Aljaz Bedene 6-2 6-3 6-3 to cruise through to the fourth round of the French Open.

The British number two was ultimately well beaten by Djokovic at Roland Garros but there was enough in his performance to be very positive about.

Playing in the third round at a grand slam for the first time, Bedene broke the Djokovic serve twice and kept the world number one detained for more than two hours before going down in straight sets.

"I think I found my game now, so it's good to see, especially before Wimbledon. I just have to build it up," Bedene said. 

"I guess the confidence is back. Just work harder. I'm working hard, but just work hard and improve the things which were not the best.

"Obviously when you play someone like Novak, you can see where are the weaknesses, so I'm going to work on that.

"Honestly, I want to beat those guys. What's the point of playing tennis if you're not there? It's great to play the third round, but I want to do better."

The Serb, bidding for his first title at Roland Garros, made a blistering start and broke his opponent early on to race into a 3-0 lead.

Bedene's nerves disappeared eventually as he held onto his serve in game four. He then had a break point in the next game but Djokovic responded with a stunning cross-court winner before holding onto his serve.

The set went with serve until Djokovic broke again with a crunching forehand to clinch the opening set.

Bedene, ranked 66 in the world, made a bright start to the second set and had two break points but was unable to capitalise.

He then lost his service game to trail 3-1 after a couple of unforced errors.

The 11-time Grand Slam winner was in cruise control on his own serve before breaking again with some unplayable forehands to go 5-1 up.

Bedene to his credit did not give up and broke back and then saved four break points to reduce his deficit to 3-5.

But Djokovic returned to form to smash an ace before his opponent sent a forehand wide to hand him the set.

Bedene had to call the trainer after his contact lense was causing him discomfort before the third set. And the delay appeared to affect him as Djokovic broke comfortably on his way to going 2-0 ahead.

He held his nerve to cling onto his serve and in the next game seized a break point chance after a string of big forehands to level at 2-2.

Djokovic had other ideas though, breaking straight back before holding on to his service games to clinch victory in Paris, leaving Andy Murray as the only Briton left in the draw.