The three-time French Open men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic has sailed into the second round of the ongoing French Open 2024 tournament after a straight three-set win 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 over local favourite Pierre-Hugues Herbert. 

The Serbian, Djokovic, was pushed in the second set a bit but managed to overcome the scare and began his title defence on a positive note. He was tested to the limits in the second set due to the heavy kick serve of the Frenchman but took a 3-0 lead early in the tie-breaker to take the upper hand.

“In the moments when it mattered I think I delivered, played a great tie-break, stayed focused,” Djokovic was quoted as saying by ATP in his post-match presser. “I’m glad that I started the way I started, the way I felt on the court. Comparing to the previous weeks of tournaments I played, I felt good, better. So I’m moving in a positive direction. It’s just the beginning.”

Djokovic will be up against Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round and may come up against Gael Monfils or Lorenzo Musetti afterwards. The 24-time Grand Slam men’s singles champion is chasing his record 25th title and needs to play the finals, at least, to hold of Italy’s Jannik Sinner and remain the No. 1 ranked player in the world.

“I thought it was a good performance for me, solid,” Djokovic added. “Of course I could have done better, I think, on return games, but also credit to him for serving very well, for changing things up… Every time I would step back for second serve, give him a little bit different look, he would see that, he would come in. His kick is tremendous. Honestly, one of the best kick serves I have faced. Very talented, mixing things up. He can come to the net, just very crafty with his hands.”