Djokovic Victorious At French Open; Ruud, Rune, Fritz Winners On Wet Tuesday
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Novak Djokovic was the last match of the first round on Chatrier and the Serb didn’t disappoint knocking out Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-4.
It wasn’t vintage Djokovic but it didn’t need to be against the 142nd-ranked Herbert who is better known for his doubles prowess. Djokovic did slog through the second after getting broken early.
He’s now won his last eight matches at Roland Garros as he seeks a fourth French Open title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam. He also has to reach the final to keep his No. 1 ranking.
Djokovic’s foe in the final last year, Casper Ruud, got through Brazil’s Felipe Meligeni Alves 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Ruud has won 13 of his last 15 at the French Open.
“I was honestly very happy,” Ruud said. “I think it was a good start. I think Felipe is a dangerous player, and obviously I didn’t know him so well. So not easy to know what’s going to come out of his racquet. I think he was firing pretty good serves and forehands.
“Overall, I think it was a pretty high quality match and happy to be through in straight sets. That’s just what I was kind of hoping and looking for.”
Two-time quarterfinalist Holger Rune routed Dan Evans 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
“Yeah, it was a good start, I think. Very solid match from start to finish. Yeah, we had a good preparation, I would say. We had obviously time after Rome to really prepare with my game and physically and mentally, as well. I think we used the time right. So now is just to perform and put everything together.
And, yeah, we are working always on my game. I think my game is good. My physicality felt great today, so it’s a thing we have really been working on to be able to stay out there and not feel fatigued and feel explosive even after hours of playing, and I definitely felt that today.
And mentally just to stay composed. You know, there is always challenges in the matches. You know, today was a call here and there. I thought I stayed composed. Been working on that, as well. I just focus on doing everything to give me a chance to win.”
Also, Taylor Fritz toppled Federico Coria from a set down 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-1, the 26th-seeded Tallon Griekspoor got by Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 6-2. David Goffin overcame France 6-foot-8 giant Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in five sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3.
In his Slam debut, 31st-seeded Mariano Navone sent off former Top 10er Pablo Carreno Busta 5-7, 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 and No. 11 Alex De Minaur had no issues with highly-touted American Alex Michelsen 6-1, 6-0, 6-2.
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