French Open 2024: Novak Djokovic eases into 2nd round after beating Frenchman Herbert

Novak Djokovic began his title defence at Roland Garros with a comfortable victory over seasoned Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the men’s singles first round on Tuesday.

Djokovic needed 2 hours and 31 minutes to outclass the World No. 142 and local hero 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-4 in front of a packed Philippe-Chatrier crowd in Paris.

Novak Djokovic was made to work hard in the second set as Pierre-Hugues Herbert, a former top 40 player, raised his game and put pressure on the Serb. While Djokovic breezed through the first set after converting a break early in the match, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was in a spot of bother when he dropped serve and was dragged to a tie-breaker. Djokovic, however, raised his game in the second-set tie-breaker, winning it with ease.

Djokovic let out a roar after the second set tie-breaker, acknowledging the fact that he was made to work hard. Pierre-Hugues Herbert did not throw in the towel as he kept fighting in the third set and was level at 3-3. However, Djokovic pulled away and broke Herbert’s serve when the Frenchman was serving to stay in the match.

Djokovic, who had to wait until the third day to get his campaign going in Roland Garros, will be delighted with the first-round test. Notably, Djokovic was in the stands at the Philippe-Chattrier on Monday to watch Alexander Zverev’s first-round win over 14-time champion and the King of Clay — Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic on Tuesday thanked the late evening crowd for staying back and cheering the two players on the court. The 24-time Grand Slam champion extended his record to 72 out of 74 matches in the first round of Grand Slam tournaments. It was also Djokovic’s 2nd win over Herbert as he continued his perfect run against the Frenchman, who showed signs of improvement.

Djokovic will face Spain’s World No. 63 Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round. Baena defeated Constant Lestienne of France in his first-round match in four sets on Tuesday.

Djokovic will be looking to shake off his recent form and go all the way and win his fourth Roland Garros crown. The Serb, who won as many as 3 Grand Slam titles in 2023, is yet to reach the final of a tournament in the ongoing season.