Paris: Novak Djokovic believes he's moving in a "positive direction" as he targets a place in the last 32 of the French Open on Thursday with Roland Garros chiefs playing catch-up in a rain-hit schedule. The world number one, chasing a fourth title at Roland Garros and record 25th Grand Slam, arrived in Paris in the midst of a worrying dry spell. For the first time since 2018, the 37-year-old has not made a final let alone add a title to his 98 career titles.
However, he saw positive signs in his opening straight-sets win against Pierre-Hugues Herbert, his 20th victory in 20 first round matches at Roland Garros. "I'm glad that I started the way I started, the way I felt on the court," said Djokovic, who has advanced to the quarter-finals or better every year since 2010. "Compared to the previous weeks of tournaments I played, I felt good, better.
So I'm moving in a positive direction." He added: "I was fist pumping, I was focused, I was there, I was present. So I'm pleased with the way I 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." On Thursday, Djokovic faces 63rd-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain, a player he has defeated twice in straight sets.
After only nine singles matches were played after a Wednesday washout, 55 second round ties were scheduled on Thursday. Amongst early winners were world number two Aryna Sabalenka who fired 27 winners past Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchiji.
