Djokovic kickstarts title defence with hard-fought win over Herbert

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic kicked off his French Open title defense with a hard-fought and challenging victory over French player Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round on Tuesday night. Djokovic, still searching for his best form, defeated the home favorite 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-4 to start his campaign.

Herbert’s heavy kick serve and exquisite touch nearly bested Djokovic, but the multi-time Grand Slam champion bounced back in the tie-break. A drop shot-volley combo helped Djokovic secure a 3-0 lead during the tie-break, making him unstoppable, while Herbert’s baseline game ultimately faltered.

“In the moments when it mattered I think I delivered, played a great tie-break, stayed focused,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference as quoted by ATP’s official website. “I am glad that I started the way I started, the way I felt on the court. Compared to the previous weeks of tournaments I played, I felt good, and better. So I am moving in a positive direction. It is just the beginning,” he added.

Djokovic must secure a spot in the title clash to retain his top position in the ATP Rankings and hold off Jannik Sinner. His next challenge will be Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round.

Still searching for his first title in 2024, Djokovic improved his season stats to 15 wins and six losses overall, with seven wins and three losses on clay. The 37-year-old made history by becoming the oldest French Open champion last year, and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title would be the perfect way for Djokovic to regain his form and set his season on the right track.

This year, Djokovic’s best clay court performances were at the Monte Carlo and Geneva Opens, where he reached the semifinals.