Novak Djokovic begins French Open title defence with dominant straight-sets win over Pierre-Hugues Herbert
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Updated 28/05/2024 at 21:45 GMT
Novak Djokovic didn't have it all his own way against French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert, but the world No. 1 was rarely threatened in an entertaining straight-sets win. The world No. 1 claimed a 6-4 7-6(2) 6-4 victory in two hours and 31 minutes to set up a second-round tie with Roberto Carballes Baena and get the 24-time major winner off to a strong start after poor recent form.
'As good as it gets' - Djokovic hits 'extraordinary' shot before wrapping up first-round win
Novak Djokovic battled through an awkward first-round tie against Pierre-Hugues Herbert to kick off his French Open title defence with a straight-sets win.
The world No. 1 made a dominant start but was forced to dig deep to take the second set in a tie-break, before claiming his first break of the third set at the opportune moment to win the match.
Djokovic will face Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round as he bids for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam triumph.
The 37-year-old’s poor form thus far in 2024 raised some pre-tournament questions about how he would perform in Paris, particularly after shock defeats in lead-up events in Rome and Geneva that led the Serbian to admit he had “low expectations but high hopes".
While he won by the expected comfortable margin and produced some dazzling moments, Djokovic’s performance against the world No. 142 didn’t quite mark a return to vintage form as he had to bounce back from a mid-match dip in level.
Djokovic finished up with an impressive 84% of first serve points won, while he struck 29 winners and was guilty of 18 unforced errors.
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'He can relax a little bit' - Djokovic wins second set tiebreak to close in on victory
The first set was a showcase of composure and control from Djokovic, who took an early break and never looked like loosening his grip from then on.
Herbert’s serve was broken at the second time of asking and although the Frenchman settled himself admirably by avoiding any further break points, he couldn’t make any headway against the Djokovic serve.
The Serbian was dominant in that regard as three of his five holds were achieved to love in a 37-minute opening set.
Djokovic made a statement start to set two as he claimed an immediate break, wearing down Herbert with a series of punishing ground strokes to force him into the net.
But the French doubles expert showed commendable resilience to fight back by earning double break point and seizing the first as Djokovic steered a forehand wide.
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It seemed to trouble Novak and embolden Herbert as the momentum swung in the underdog’s favour, with Djokovic’s unforced error count rising and his opponent firing far more winners.
But both players avoided any slip-ups on serve and a tie-break was required to decide a tight set, Djokovic showing trademark resilience to produce his best tennis of the set when it mattered most and take it 7-2.
Djokovic pushed for a break at 2-1 up in the third set but was repelled by Herbert, who saw off two break points with some big, bold serving.
However, another tight set was decided at the death when Novak showed his class with an outrageous backhand winner from the back of the court to set up match point, before a double fault ended Herbert's resistance.
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