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. The world number one, aiming for his fourth title at Roland Garros and a record 25th Grand Slam, arrived in Paris amid a concerning dry spell.
This year, for the first time since 2018, the 37-year-old has not reached a final, let alone added to his 98 career titles.
Despite this, Djokovic saw positive signs in his opening straight-sets win against Pierre-Hugues Herbert, marking his 20th victory in 20 first-round matches at Roland Garros.
This victory suggests that Djokovic is regaining form and confidence as he progresses through the tournament, which bodes well for his ambitions to further cement his legacy in tennis history.
“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.
Fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who likely ended the French Open career of 14-time champion Rafael Nadal on Monday, faces unseeded David Goffin.
Zverev has made the semi-finals in Paris for the last three years.
“I feel good on the court. I’m not going to lie,” said Zverev.
Goffin, meanwhile, knocked out home hope Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in five sets in the first round in a stormy clash which saw the Belgian accuse a spectator of spitting chewing gum at him.
“It’s becoming like football, soon there will be smoke bombs, hooligans and there will be fights in the stands,” said the 33-year-old.
Casper Ruud, who was the runner-up at the French Open for the last two years, is set to face Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Meanwhile, fifth-ranked Daniil Medvedev will compete against Miomir Kecmanovic.
Medvedev has historically struggled at Roland Garros, having lost in the first round five times prior to this year.
In the women’s draw, world number two Aryna Sabalenka is up against Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchijima. Sabalenka displayed dominant form in her first-round match, losing just three games against Erika Andreeva.
As the reigning Australian Open champion, Sabalenka has reached at least the semi-finals in her last six Grand Slam appearances. A win could set up a third-round clash with her close friend Paula Badosa, provided the Spaniard overcomes Yulia Putintseva.
Additionally, fourth seed Elena Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion, will take on Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands.
The fifth day of Roland Garros promises an exciting lineup after torrential rain on Wednesday led to the postponement of 23 second-round matches, ensuring a packed schedule for fans and players alike.
