Novak Djokovic’s to start with Grand Slam match in 7½ months went about as very well as achievable.
The No. 1-seeded Djokovic opened his title protection at the French Open up with a 6-3, 6-1, 6- victory in a lot less than two hrs more than Yoshihito Nishioka. He enhanced to 18- for his career in the very first round at Roland Garros.
About the only not comfortable moment for Djokovic may well have been when some spectators booed following he allow out some yells upon profitable points in the second set.
The match was played Monday evening with the retractable roof at Court Philippe Chatrier shut simply because of rain.
Djokovic, who turned 35 on Sunday, is pursuing a 3rd title in Paris and a 21st Grand Slam trophy over-all, which would tie him with Rafael Nadal for the men’s record.
He hadn’t performed in a significant event considering that dropping to Daniil Medvedev in the U.S. Open up final past September, ending Djokovic’s bid to total the very first calendar-12 months Grand Slam for a guy because 1969.
Djokovic could not compete at the Australian Open up this January due to the fact he has decided not to get vaccinated versus COVID-19. There is no vaccine need for the French Open.
In the meantime, Nadal chalked up nonetheless a further document at Roland Garros on Monday as he gained his 106th French Open match.
The 13-time winner cruised to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 initial-round get over Jordan Thompson of Australia, wrapping up the victory in just in excess of two several hours.
Nadal’s get-loss file at Roland Garros in Paris now stands at 106-3, far better than any gentleman has managed at any of the four Grand Slam occasions. Djokovic (two times) and Robin Soderling are the only gentlemen to conquer him at the French Open up.
The Spanish player’s victory was also his 299th in Grand Slams, a total beaten only by Roger Federer and Djokovic.
“It can be outstanding for me to participate in here on Courtroom Philippe Chatrier a further time,” Nadal stated. “I’m quite content with my victory today. Generally joyful to win the to start with spherical and delighted to win in 3 sets.”
Nadal will meet Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the next round.
The Related Press contributed to this report.