In the opening round of the French Open, Novak Djokovic easily defeated Pierre-Hugues Herbert, a wildcard. The world No. 1 admitted that, given his recent slump in form, he won’t be getting too worked up about the win.
Recently, he was defeated by world No. 44 Tomas Machac at the Geneva Open semifinals with a record of 6-4 0-6 6-1 in three sets due to a stomach ailment. With this, the athlete has yet to win a trophy this 2024 season.
“Monte-Carlo, Rome and Geneva tournaments started really well for me. First matches I played were great. Then second matches, third matches were quite different. So I don’t want to get too excited,” Djokovic declared.
He added: “I thought it was a good performance for me, solid. Of course I could have done better, I think, on return games, but also credit to him for serving very well, for changing things up.”
Djokovic: ‘I was there, I was present’
With his victory, the Serbian athlete expressed: “I was fist pumping, I was focused, I was there, I was present…So I’m pleased with the way at least I behaved or had a mindset on the court. That was something that I was looking for. And where are you going to feel that way if not in grand slams?”
However, Djokovic acknowledged that he had difficulties with Herbert’s serves even though they had won in straight sets.
“Credit to him for serving very well, for changing things up … Every time I would step back for a second serve, give him a little bit different look, he would see that, he would come in…His kick is tremendous. Honestly, one of the best kick serves I have faced. Very talented, mixing things up. He can come to the net, just very crafty with his hands,” he said towards Herbert.
In the second round, he will face Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain.
Source: CNN