Novak Djokovic: Defending French Open champion up and running with victory over Pierre-Hugues Herbert | Tennis News

Defending champion Novak Djokovic shrugged off doubts in regards to the state of his sport with a assured 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 defeat of Pierre-Hugues Herbert on the French Open on Tuesday.

The highest seed needed to wait till the night time match on the third day of the event to start his quest for a record-extending twenty fifth Grand Slam title however rapidly hit his stride to dispatch French wild card Herbert on Courtroom Philippe Chatrier.

Djokovic has not reached a remaining this yr and his world No 1 rating is underneath menace from Jannik Sinner, with the Serb saying earlier than the event that he arrived with “low expectations and excessive hopes” after some uncharacteristic defeats.

Nonetheless, every little thing appeared in fantastic working order towards Herbert, who put up strong resistance however by no means appeared prone to unduly concern Djokovic, who has now received 72 of his 74 first-round matches in Grand Slam tournaments.

The one second of slight drama for Djokovic got here deep within the third set when he took a nasty tumble down by the web, and was booed by the ever-friendly Paris crowd as he towelled himself down.

‘Grand Slams get me away from bed day-after-day’

Chatting with Eurosport, three-time French Open champion Djokovic – who will now face Roberto Carballes Baena in spherical two – mentioned: “He [Herbert] gave me a whole lot of bother on his serve, serve and volleying, however from my facet I am happy with the efficiency.

“At this age I see each match as a golden alternative as you do not know how lengthy you might have at this degree.

“It is one thing that I’ve been saying from the start of the yr, that Grand Slams are those which are mainly getting me up from the mattress day-after-day, realizing that I’ve to hit the follow courts.”

Djokovic added to reporters afterward: “Within the moments when it mattered I feel I delivered, stayed centered. I am glad that I began the best way I began, the best way I felt on the court docket.

“Evaluating to the earlier weeks of tournaments I performed, I felt good. I am transferring in a constructive path.”

Ruud makes successful begin in quest for French Open title

Casper Ruud, a overwhelmed finalist within the final two French Opens, gained some belated household revenge by beating Brazilian qualifier Felipe Meligeni Alves in straight units.

Within the remaining of the 1995 Swedish Open in Bastad, Meligeni Alves’ uncle Fernando Meligeni beat Ruud’s father Christian to win the title.

Ruud, a winner in Geneva final week, mentioned: “I feel each me and my dad needed to get some revenge. It was well worth the wait, I assume. It was a few years we needed to wait, however we acquired it at present.

“This is without doubt one of the greatest tournaments for me and for everybody yearly. Certainly one of my highlights. I am at all times trying ahead to it.

“The final two years have given me a lot right here in Paris. I hope I could make it one other good yr.”

Ruud earned three break factors at 3-2 and extra on the Brazilian’s subsequent service sport earlier than snatching a break on his seventh alternative to go 5-3 up and bag the primary set.

Alves had matched Ruud’s energy sport for about an hour however steadily the errors piled up as Ruud didn’t give a single break level away in your complete second set.

One other early break within the third put Ruud firmly within the driving seat and he sealed a 6-3 6-4 6-3 win in slightly below two hours.

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