World no.1 Novak Djokovic opened his Roland-Garros title defence marketing campaign on the proper foot on Tuesday night.
The highest seed recorded a 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Pierre-Hugues Herbert on Court docket Philippe-Chatrier in two hours and 31 minutes to succeed in the second spherical.
Novak fought off a stern problem and upped his degree when it mattered to seal the triumph.
The Serbian star broke thrice from seven alternatives, whereas Herbert used the one probability he earned through the conflict.
Djokovic was snug on serve all through the match, profitable 84 per cent of his first-serve factors and 73 per cent behind his second serve.
Match statistics: aces (4-7), double faults (2-7), winners (29-37), unforced errors (18-31), whole factors gained (103-81).
Subsequent up for Novak is Roberto Carballes Baena (ATP no.63, H2H 2-0). The Spaniard defeated Fixed Lestienne of France 6-3, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2.
Picture: AP
