
The three-time French Open men's singles champion Novak Djokovic has sailed into the second round of the ongoing French Open 2024 tournament after a straight three-set win 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 over local favourite?Pierre-Hugues Herbert.?
The Serbian, Djokovic, was pushed in the second set a bit but managed to overcome the scare and began his title defence on a positive note. He was tested to the limits in the second set due to the?heavy kick serve of the Frenchman but took a 3-0 lead early in the tie-breaker to take the upper hand.
"In the moments when it mattered I think I delivered, played a great tie-break, stayed focused," Djokovic was quoted as saying by ATP in his post-match presser. "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, better. So I'm moving in a positive direction. It's just the beginning."
Djokovic will be up against?Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round and may come up against?Gael Monfils or Lorenzo Musetti afterwards. The 24-time Grand Slam men's singles champion is chasing his record 25th title and needs to play the finals, at least, to hold of Italy's Jannik Sinner and remain the No. 1 ranked player in the world.
"I thought it was a good performance for me, solid," Djokovic added. "Of course I could have done better, I think, on return games, but also credit to him for serving very well, for changing things up... Every time I would step back for second serve, give him a little bit different look, he would see that, he would come in. His kick is tremendous. Honestly, one of the best kick serves I have faced. Very talented, mixing things up. He can come to the net, just very crafty with his hands."