Three-time champion Novak Djokovic begin his title defence at French Open 2024 with a comfortable win against world no.142 Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France to ease into the men's singles second round. New Delhi: Novak Djokovic began his French Open title defence in style with a routine victory against Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the men’s singles first round on Tuesday.
Djokovic defeated the world no.142 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-4 at the Philippe-Chatrier crowd in Paris with the crowd firmly behind him. The Serbian ace was recently spotted watching Rafael Nadal’s first-round clash against Alexander Zverev from the stands but had to wait till Day 3 to get his campaign underway in the tournament.
Djokovic started the game in a dominant fashion as he had no problems in brushing aside the challenge from the local star by clinching the first game 6-4. However, he was made to work hard by Herbert in the second set as the world no.142 raised his game to put some pressure on the Serb.
Djokovic surprisingly dropped a serve and the second game was forced into a tie-breaker by Herbert, who played some of his best tennis in the set. However, Djokovic showcased his class to win the second game comfortably. The 24-time Grand Slam champion bagged the final game 6-4 to cap off a resounding victory and get his campaign underway with a win.
All eyes were on Djokovic on Wednesday after Nadal was knocked out by Zverev in the first round at Roland Garros on Monday. Djokovic eased into the second.
