Djokovic passes Mpetshi Perricard test in Roland Garros opener
Paris, May 25
Novak Djokovic survived a stern opening-round test at Roland Garros when he rallied to defeat Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 to book his place in the second round in Paris.
Making a record 82nd Grand Slam main draw appearance in the French capital this year, breaking a record he held jointly with Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez, Djokovic is now 80-2 in opening matches at the majors, and hasn't lost a first match at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.
He is now 22-0 in opening matches on the terre battue, which is the most Roland-Garros first-round wins of any man without suffering a loss in the Open era. He also is now 13-0 against French players in Paris all-time.
The Serb will look to maintain his perfect Parisian record against Frenchmen when he plays Valentin Royer next.
Down a set against the big-serving Frenchman in their first career head-to-head meeting, Djokovic was increasingly frustrated.
After not having a break point against Perricard's massive delivery in the opening set - with a break by the home favourite at 5-5 helping him become the first French player to win a set against Djokovic in Paris in 14 years - Djokovic was zero-for-nine after nearly 12 completed games in the second set, French Open reports.
After Perricard saved three set points at 5-6 with aces, he couldn't see off a fourth. Djokovic returned the serve on that key point, and won a 17-shot rally to, finally, equal the scoreboard.
He opened the point up with a delicate drop shot, and though Perricard raced forward admirably to retrieve it, he fired his forehand passing attempt just wide to lose the game.
From there, the floodgates opened. Back on even footing, Djokovic broke three more times to extinguish the Mpetshi Perricard threat and move safely through to round two at Roland-Garros, 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in 2 hour 51 minute.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I was a bit worried after that first set. But Djokovic is a different beast on clay. That 22-0 record in opening rounds at Roland Garros? Unbelievable consistency. French players just can't seem to solve him in Paris.
I'm glad he pulled through. Some of those serves from Mpetshi Perricard were absolutely monstrous, especially in the first set. Novak had to really work for it. Reminds me of how tough it is to face a big server when they're on fire 🔥
Great match, but I have to say I'm a bit worried about how long he took to break that serve. In a Grand Slam, those slow starts can cost you later in the tournament. Hope he finds his rhythm quicker in the next round against Royer.
What a fighter! That 17-shot rally to win the set point in the second set was incredible. You could see the frustration turn into pure determination. This is why he's the GOAT for me. 🇮🇳🇷🇸
That first set must have been nerve-wracking for his fans. But once he got that break in the second, it was game over. Experience and mental strength win over raw power every time. 👏
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