How Djokovic has proven Carballes Baena's key to the big stages

This is a very intriguing story, there is no doubt.

The first time Roberto Carballés played on the centre court at a Grand Slam tournament was in round one of the US Open, on 26 August 2019. His opponent was Novak Djokovic, who claimed a straight-sets win.

Years later, on 17 January 2023, Carballés was back on the centre court of a major, this time in the first round of the Australian Open and again against Djokovic, who won in three sets.

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This Thursday, 30 May, the Spaniard will be in the main stadium of a Grand Slam again at the French Open when he takes to Court Philippe-Chatrier to play his second-round encounter. And who will be awaiting him on the other side of the net? Once more, it will be none other than the No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Novak Djokovic.

Carballés needed four sets to see off Constant Lestienne in his opener at Roland Garros and earn himself the right to battle it out with the 24-time Grand Slam champion for a place in the third round on another big court on a big stage.

All this means that the Spaniard is now preparing for the challenge posed by Djokovic, who leads their Lexus ATP Head2Head 2-0. The Serbian, who is, in a way, responsible for Carballés having played in two of the biggest tennis stadiums in the world (tomorrow he will make it three, when he steps onto Court Philippe-Chatrier to play his second-round match), is more than familiar with his opponent and the threats he poses, as he explained before their next clash.

“We’ve practised a lot together. He grew up on this surface and he’s a clay specialist, a great fighter,” said Djokovic of his opponent after defeating Pierre-Hugues Herbert in his opener at Roland Garros, in a successful start to his campaign to defend the Coupe des Mousquetaires. “He’s very solid, he doesn’t give you many free points, so I’ll have to work very hard to win.”

Carballés comes into the match with a 1-16 record against members of the Top 10. His only victory came in round one of the 2023 US Open, where he defeated Holger Rune, who was then the World No. 4.

On Thursday, surely tapping into that match as a source of confidence, the Spaniard will be trying to end his streak when he crosses swords with the best player in the world. It will be another opportunity to take on the Serb on a unique stage.

Will it be third-time lucky for the World No. 63?