World No. 1 Novak Djokovic satisfied with first-round performance, beating France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 7-6, 6-4; believes he’s moving in the right direction
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during his win over Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France at the French Open in Paris on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images
Defending champion Novak Djokovic reached the French Open second round for the 20th time on Tuesday but insisted he “won’t get too excited” after enduring a worrying decline in form and achievements this season. Djokovic, chasing a fourth title at Roland Garros and record 25th Grand Slam triumph, came through against 142nd-ranked French opponent Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4. However, without a title or even a place in a final this season for the first time since 2018, Djokovic wasn’t getting too far ahead of himself.
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Not getting excited
“In Monte-Carlo [beaten in the semi-finals], Rome [lost in the 3rd round] and Geneva [beaten in the semi-finals], I started the tournament really well. My first matches were great,” he said. “But the second or third, it was something else... So I don’t want to get too excited.” Djokovic, who has advanced to the French Open quarter-finals or better every year since 2010, will face Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena for a place in the last 32. “I’m happy with my state of mind on the court, it’s something I was looking for,” added Djokovic.
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Grand Slams, an inspiration
“And where are you going to feel that if it’s not in the Grand Slams? I’ve been saying it over the last few years, the Grand Slam tournaments are the ones that make me get up every morning and go train. I hope to go far once again.” Djokovic, 37, arrived in Paris under a cloud. His best runs were to the semi-finals of the Australian Open, where he lost his title to Jannik Sinner, Monte Carlo and Geneva. “It was solid. I could have done better on the return games, but congratulations to him for serving very well. I felt better compared to the previous weeks. I’m moving in the right direction. It was a good performance tonight from me,” said Djokovic after his 93rd career win at Roland Garros.
Djokovic convinced Rafael Nadal will be back in 2025
Novak Djokovic believes longtime rival Rafael Nadal could be tempted to play the 2025 French Open despite experiencing the “unique moment” of what was generally accepted to be the great Spaniard’s farewell. Djokovic was in a star-studded crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier on Monday as 14-time champion Nadal was knocked out in straight sets in the first round by Alexander Zverev. When asked if he expected to see Nadal play the 2025 French Open when he will celebrate his 39th birthday, the Serb replied: “Yeah, it looks like. I think he played very well.”
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