Djokovic overcomes frustrations for straight-sets win in Roland Garros opener

While he is still searching for his very best tennis, Novak Djokovic's battling victory on Tuesday at Roland Garros ensured that he will have more time to find it in Paris. In a 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-4 first-round win against Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Djokovic fought off a stern challenge from the home favourite to make a successful start to his title defence.

With Herbert's heavy kick serve and sumptuous touch hurting Djokovic in the second set, the No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings steadied for the crucial tie-break. After a drop shot-volley combo helped Djokovic to a 3/0 lead in the tie-break, the Serbian went into lockdown mode to secure the set, with Herbert's baseline game letting him down.

"In the moments when it mattered I think I delivered, played a great tie-break, stayed focused," Djokovic said in his post-match presser. "I'm glad that I started the way I started, the way I felt on the court. Comparing to the previous weeks of tournaments I played, I felt good, better. So I'm moving in a positive direction. It's just the beginning."

Knowing he must reach at least the final to have a chance to hold off Jannik Sinner and remain World No. 1, Djokovic will next meet Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round, with Gael Monfils or Lorenzo Musetti lurking beyond that.

Djokovic faced just one break point against Herbert, according to Infosys Stats, when the Frenchman broke back early in the second set. While the Serbian was comfortable on serve throughout, winning 84 per cent of his first-serve points and 73 per cent behind his second delivery, he did not appear happy with his game overall for much of his two hours, 33 minute on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

After a line-clipping backhand passing shot brought up match point for Djokovic, Herbert's seventh double fault ended the match. The Serbian produced plenty of highlights, but was short of his sky-high standards with regards to consistency, allowing his opponent to challenge him across three tense sets. Still, Djokovic was always in command — and he rose to the occasion late in the second set as Herbert threatened to turn the match around.

"I thought it was a good performance for me, solid," Djokovic said. "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... Every time I would step back for 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."

Still seeking his first title of 2024, Djokovic improved to 15-6 on the season overall and 7-3 on clay. The 37-year-old became the oldest champion in Roland Garros history last year and is seeking to break his own mark with a record-extending 25th Grand Slam men's singles title this fortnight.

Djokovic's best clay-court results this season are semi-final runs in Monte-Carlo and Geneva. His surprise Geneva appearance came as a wild card in the week before Roland Garros, with the Serbian eager for more match play ahead of the clay major.