Novak Djokovic round-the-net winner wows fans in 'special moment' as opponent applauds at French Open

Published 30/05/2024 at 17:19 GMT

Any fans fearing that Novak Djokovic might not be quite at his best at this year's French Open were given plenty of relief watching him put on an absolute show on Thursday afternoon at Roland-Garros. The Serb delivered a wonderful performance as he overcame Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in a very comfortable fashion on Court Philippe-Chatrier to reach the third round of the Grand Slam in style.

'Special moment' - Djokovic works the crowd with round-the-net winner

Novak Djokovic delivered a stunning performance as he comprehensively defeated Roberto Carballes Baena to reach the third round of the French Open - and one point in particular will prove to be very memorable.

The top seed had already been in commanding form as he won the opening two sets in emphatic fashion, 6-4 6-1, and he found a very special way of stamping his authority on the third as well.

With Carballes Baena leading 30-0 on his serve, the Spaniard was suddenly sent darting to the net at a very tight angle following an exquisite drop shot from his opponent.

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Somehow, he did manage to get the ball back into play, and almost for what would have been a sensational winner of his own as he faked to play a backhand down the line and instead went cross-court with another drop shot.

The fact that Djokovic even got to the ball at all was hugely impressive as he slid at full length across the red dirt and out wide to almost underneath the umpire's chair at the side of the court.

The 37-year-old proceeded to scoop the ball round-the-net and into the open court for a winner that had the crowd on their feet in amazement and delight.

To mark the "special moment", Carballes Baena had the good grace to applaud his illustrious opponent from the other side of the net after not even running fully for the ball as he watched it drift past him.

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"Ah, that was just perfect for the round-the-net, wasn't it?!" exclaimed Chris Bradnam, on commentary for Eurosport at the time.

"Applauded by his opponent as well - it is a special moment!"

Arvind Parmar added: "You just knew he was lining it up! He was hoping Carballes Baena was going to go cross-court, and he did."

Djokovic went on to clinch a straight-sets victory in two hours and four minutes after losing just two games in the third to seal his progression in style.