Coric reminds me of me, says Djokovic

World No 1 Novak Djokovic gave teenage French Open trailblazer Boran Coric a ringing endorsement on Thursday by declaring: "He reminds me of me".

Coric, 18, became the youngest player to reach the third round in Paris since Marat Safin in 1998 when he defeated veteran Spaniard Tommy Robredo, a four-time quarterfinalist, 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

"I like Coric and how he approaches matches. He has a very mature mindset for somebody that is only 18," said Djokovic, 10 years Coric's senior.