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May 29, 2024

Djokovic's Roland Garros Defense Begins with Strong Straight-Sets Win

Djokovic's Roland Garros Defense Begins with Strong Straight-Sets Win

Djokovic's Roland Garros Defense Begins with Strong Straight-Sets Win

Novak Djokovic began his Roland Garros title defense with a straightforward straight-sets victory over French wild card Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Catch Andy Murray's matches at the Stuttgart Open live on Sky Sports Tennis from June 10-16.

Djokovic, the defending champion, quelled any concerns about his form with a solid 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 win over Herbert at the French Open on Tuesday.

The top seed waited until the night match on the third day of the tournament to start his campaign for a 25th Grand Slam title, but he quickly found his rhythm on Court Philippe Chatrier, dispatching Herbert efficiently.

Despite not reaching a final this year and facing a challenge to his No. 1 ranking from Jannik Sinner, Djokovic approached Roland Garros with "low expectations and high hopes" after some unusual losses earlier this year.

Nevertheless, Djokovic looked in top form against Herbert, who offered solid resistance but never posed a significant threat. The Serbian star has now won 72 of his 74 first-round matches in Grand Slam tournaments.

The only minor drama occurred late in the third set when Djokovic took a tumble near the net and was met with boos from the Parisian crowd as he composed himself.

"C'est normal, l'ambiance," Djokovic said to the crowd, translating it as: "It's normal, the atmosphere. Merci pour l'ambiance (thank you for the atmosphere)."