Novak Djokovic untroubled at French Open, but says matches are going to get tougher

PARIS – Novak Djokovic is prepared for “tougher” matches to come, as the world No. 1 reached the French Open last 32 for the 19th successive year on May 30.

The defending Roland Garros champion showed what he was made of by cracking 43 winners past Spain’s 63rd-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena to canter to a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win.

Djokovic, a three-time winner in Paris who is seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, will next face Italian 30th seed Lorenzo Musetti. The Serb has defeated Musetti four times in five meetings.

“It was a difficult match against Roberto. He hit a lot of very good and precise shots,” said the 37-year-old.

“The last game of the first set, I played really well and started to play at a higher level. At the end of the match, I was then playing very well. I was dictating play and doing things the right way.

“I have to be content. Of course, it can always be better, matches are only going to get tougher. But it’s enjoyable to feel and play this way at a Grand Slam.”

Still seeking his first title of 2024, Djokovic improved to 16-6 this season and 8-3 on clay. But for the first time since 2018, he has still yet to progress to a final as he arrived in the French capital.

His dry spell is unusual and has been questioned multiple times, but the Serb knows himself best.

“I haven’t had too many wins coming into Roland Garros, so I have to lower my expectations but of course, I believe in myself and my capabilities,” he said.

“I know what I am capable of doing. I’ve done it many times in my career. Going far in a Grand Slam has always been the goal... I look forward to what’s coming up.”

Seventh seed Casper Ruud, who lost to Djokovic in the 2023 final, kept alive his hopes of reaching another title decider by edging out unseeded Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

After his last two trips to Roland Garros ended in losses to Rafael Nadal and Djokovic at the final stage, the Norwegian looked well primed to break his Grand Slam duck in Paris by winning titles on clay in Barcelona and Geneva.

But that winning form seemed to go missing slightly against a tricky opponent in Davidovich Fokina, who stayed within touching distance in a high-octane contest, before Ruud stepped up his game to go through.

“It’s been a very good year so far. Much better than last year,” said the 25-year-old, who will take on Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina next.

“Last year I reached the final, which was a turning point in the year for me. It was a great result for me.

“I love coming back here... The match today is the kind of match you work hard for in order to be ready and hopefully win it. Today I’m gonna sleep well.” AFP, REUTERS