Milos Raonic rolls into 3rd round at French Open

Milos Raonic has earned himself an extended stay in Paris.

Raonic, from Thornhill, Ont., rolled into the third round of the French Open for the first time in his pro career, blitzing Jesse Levine of the United States 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 on Thursday.

Raonic, seeded 19th, was superior on serve to the Ottawa-born American, chalking up 16 aces to Levine's four and winning 72 per cent of first-serve points on the red clay at Roland Garros.

Raonic, possessing one of the most powerful serves in pro tennis, lit up the radar gun at 228 kph in the match and served at an average speed of 210 kph — 40 kph faster than Levine.

Even Raonic's softer second serve was two kilometres swifter on average than Levine's first serve.

The lanky Canadian next plays Saturday against No. 13 Juan Monaco of Argentina, a 7-6 (4), 6-0, 7-6 (5) winner over Luka Rosol of the Czech Republic.

It marks the first meeting between Raonic and Monaco, who sits 15th in the ATP rankings.

Raonic opened the tournament with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo of Spain on Monday.