Djokovic begins French Open defence, defeats Herbert

World number men’s player Novak Djokovic beat Pierre-Hugues Herbert in straight sets 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-4 Tuesday night on Court Philippe-Chatrier to begin the defence of the French Open title he won last year.

Djokovic’s first set battle against the 142nd-ranked wildcard lasted 37 minutes but the second set was a tie break and that lasted more than an hour.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will take sole ownership of the record of most major titles with a fourth victory on the Paris clay.

Djokovic’s movement at the baseline did not always look comfortable and lacked some sharpness in his returning.

A stunning winner at deuce teed up a first match point and Herbert blinked to hand it over with a double fault.

“I’m glad I started the way I started, the way I felt on the court,” said Djokovic, who plays Spain’s world number 63 Roberto Carballes Baena in round two.

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“Comparing to the previous weeks of tournaments I played [recently], I felt good, better.

I’m moving in a positive direction.”

A stunning winner at deuce teed up a first match point and Herbert blinked to hand it over with a double fault.

“I’m glad I started the way I started, the way I felt on the court,” said Djokovic, who plays Spain’s world number 63 Roberto Carballes Baena in round two.

“Comparing to the previous weeks of tournaments I played [recently], I felt good, better.

I’m moving in a positive direction.”