World number one Novak Djokovic is optimistic about his trajectory in the French Open, aiming for a spot in the last 32 on Thursday.
The tennis maestro, who is on a quest for his fourth Roland Garros crown and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, has been experiencing an unusual title drought since 2018.
Despite not reaching a final in recent times, Djokovic remains hopeful, drawing confidence from his straight-sets victory over Pierre-Hugues Herbert, marking his 20th consecutive first-round win at the prestigious clay court event.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his on-court demeanor and mindset, which he considers crucial for success in Grand Slam tournaments. He is set to face Spain’s 63rd-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena, whom he has previously bested in straight sets.
Meanwhile, fourth seed Alexander Zverev, fresh off a victory that potentially concluded Rafael Nadal’s illustrious French Open career, is preparing to compete against unseeded David Goffin. Zverev, a consistent semi-finalist in Paris, remains upbeat about his form.
Goffin, on the other hand, emerged victorious from a contentious first-round match against local favorite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, during which he experienced an unsavory incident with a spectator.
In other matches, Casper Ruud, the runner-up for the past two years, is set to play against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and fifth-ranked Daniil Medvedev will take on Miomir Kecmanovic, hoping to overcome his history of early exits at the event.
On the women’s side, world number two Aryna Sabalenka faces Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchijima after a commanding first-round win. Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, has consistently reached the semi-finals in her last six Grand Slam appearances.
Should Sabalenka triumph, she may encounter her friend Paula Badosa in the third round, provided Badosa wins her match against Yulia Putintseva. Additionally, former Wimbledon champion and fourth seed Elena Rybakina is slated to play Arantxa Rus from the Netherlands.
The tournament is set to resume with a packed schedule after inclement weather caused the postponement of 23 second-round matches, promising an action-filled day at Roland Garros.
Reported By AFP.
