Djokovic and Sabalenka cruise through on rainy day at French Open

Rain hampered the third day of the French Open, but defending champion Novak Djokovic avoided becoming bogged down in his quest for a professional era record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, which got off to a solid start on Tuesday.

Djokovic's late match on Court Philippe Chatrier was business-like rather than spectacular, but Casper Ruud and Aryna Sabalenka had earlier provided some bright spots on a grey Parisian day with impressive first-round wins.

Denmark's 13th seed Holger Rune also brought his usual flair to the court, defeating Britain's Dan Evans in straight sets, while French favourite Alize Cornet waved goodbye after being soundly defeated by seventh seed Zheng Qinwen in her final match of her long career.

The day took a long time to come to life, however, as spectators, many dressed in winter jackets, were starved for action on the outside courts while players kicked their heels in the locker rooms.

Except for Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen's retractable roofs, there was no play until 4 p.m., though some of the backlog was cleared later.

Top seed Djokovic took the court in the evening to face Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert with concerns over his form after a disappointing season in which he has yet to reach a final.

There were some flaws in his game, including a drop in the second set, but Djokovic also played some scintillating tennis at times, winning 6-4 7-6(3) 6-4.

"It's a straight-set win. In the moments when it mattered I think I delivered, played a great tiebreak, stayed focused," Serbian Djokovic, who took his first-round record at Roland Garros to 20-0, told reporters.

"I'm glad that I started the way I started, the way I felt on the court. Comparing to the previous weeks of tournaments I played, I felt good. So I'm moving in a positive direction."

Two-time runner-up Ruud defeated Brazilian qualifier Felipe Alves 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in a renewed bid for his first Grand Slam title in Paris after two previous disappointments.

Following his Geneva title, the world number seven delivered a masterclass in serving, defeating his unheralded opponent in less than two hours.

Sabalenka, the world number two, defeated Russian teenager Erika Andreeva 6-1 6-2 in 68 minutes. She is aiming for her second major of the season following her successful Australian Open defence in January.

Elena Rybakina, fourth seed, overcame an early wobble to defeat Belgian Greet Minnen 6-2, 6-3 earlier in the day, showing no signs of the illness that had hampered her preparations for the year's second major.

The third consecutive rain-soaked day of the tournament began with a huge outpouring of love for Cornet, as one of the most consistent Grand Slam players in the last two decades bid farewell.

Cornet, who holds the professional era women's record for consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearances, had previously stated that she would retire following the tournament.

"My feeling is that I have done my duty, I went till the end of the adventure, and that was important for me," Cornet said.

Once play began on the outside courts, Australian Alex De Minaur dominated Alex Michelsen, Petra Martic defeated Kristina Mladenovic, and

Dutch player Arantxa Rus stunned three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber.

With Danish shot-maker Rune's victory over Dan Evans, Katie Boulter walked onto the court knowing she was Britain's last hope for a singles player in the second round. However, the 26th seed lost 4-6 7-5 6-4 to Spain's Paula Badosa.

SportsLigue