'Every match a golden opportunity' - Novak Djokovic savouring the moment as French Open bid begins with victory
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Published 28/05/2024 at 22:11 GMT
Novak Djokovic kicked off his French Open title defence with a straight-sets win over Pierre-Hugues Herbert and told Eurosport afterwards that he is seeing "every match as a golden opportunity" as he comes towards the end of a glittering career. The world No. 1 is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title in Paris and was "pleased" with his display after stuttering recent form.
‘Every match is a golden opportunity’ - Djokovic cherishing ‘high-level’ tennis
Novak Djokovic said he “sees every match as a golden opportunity” after beginning his quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam with victory over Pierre-Hugues Herbert at the French Open.
The 37-year-old has had a difficult 2024 season so far and is yet to win a title, falling short in the Australian Open semi-finals against Jannik Sinner before disappointing results in Indian Wells, Rome and Geneva.
But he comes to Roland-Garros as reigning champion and world No. 1 and showed moments of dazzling class in a straight-sets win over the 142-ranked French wildcard.
Reflecting on his win on court in an interview with Eurosport’s Alex Corretja, Djokovic said: “I don’t think you’re really thinking of not going for too much on the court.
“Especially now at this age and stage of my career, I really see every match as a golden opportunity.
“I don’t know how long I’ll have opportunities to play at a high level so I try to use it, I try to do everything I possibly can to win.”
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French Open highlights - Djokovic overcomes Herbert to kickstart Roland-Garros title defence
Djokovic’s uncharacteristically shaky recent form created more questions than ever about his ability to challenge for the title in Paris, with the man himself saying on the eve of the tournament that he had “low expectations but high hopes".
However, he boasts unparalleled major-winning experience, having won a record 24 Slams including three of the four on offer in 2023.
According to the Serbian, that track record can only take him so far.
“The experience can help with how you approach the match, how you handle and manage certain situations in the match,” he explained.
“But other than that, experience cannot help you with the game itself. You have to deliver your game. Everyone today who is in the main draw plays great tennis.
“Especially on clay, you have to deliver the goods, you have to be physically fit and ready to go in the long rally exchanges.
“Of course it’s becoming tougher for me, but I’m still enjoying myself. Out of all the clay court tournaments, this is by far my favourite, the way I’m playing the ball and feeling on the court. Hopefully I can keep it going in the right direction.”
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Doubles expert Herbert asked some difficult questions of Djokovic, particularly on serve, with one break deciding the first and third sets and the second going all the way to a tie-break.
And the Serbian, famed as one of the best returners the sport has ever seen, applauded his opponent’s efforts.
“It was a great match, a great atmosphere,” Djokovic said.
“Herbert was serving extremely well. He was giving me a lot of difficulties; I couldn’t find the right position on the return.
“When I would step back, he would serve and volley, and he was doing very well to mix up the rhythm. I knew that coming into the match, but he was playing really good tennis.
“From my side, in my service games I did everything I needed to do so I’m pleased with my performance.”
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'As good as it gets' - Djokovic hits 'extraordinary' shot before wrapping up first-round win
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