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.
ALSO READ : Government unveils single-digit loans to support media industry
“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.”