Top seed Novak Djokovic cranked up his level late in the first set and rarely looked back Thursday to continue his quest for a record-extending 25th major title at Roland Garros.
Aiming for his fourth trophy on the Parisian clay, the 37-year-old showed flashes of his best tennis across a convincing 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 victory against Roberto Carballes Baena.
A highly-contested opening set ended with Djokovic producing more aggressive baseline play, stepping in on returns and manoeuvring the Spaniard from corner to corner to earn a decisive break at 5-4. Djokovic built upon his momentum with clean ballstriking and quickly jumped to a double break 4-0 advantage in the second set.
“I’m glad that I came through the opening [two] rounds in straight sets,” Djokovic said. “Again at the beginning, in the first set, I was challenged. He was playing very well, aggressive from the start. It took me a little bit of time to start swinging through the ball a bit more loose. Crucial break to clinch the first set. After that, the second and third set really went my way.”
Djokovic, who must reach at least the final to have a chance to hold off Jannik Sinner and remain World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, brought the crowd to a standing ovation in the opening game of the third set, when he responded to Carballes Baena’s drop shot by skillfully hitting the ball around the net post.
Nobody does it like @DjokerNole 🔥#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/XUZHdijUPs
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2024
The Serbian won 55 per cent of his return points, according to Infosys Stats, and broke Carballes Baena’s serve seven times to improve to 3-0 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head with the World No. 63. All three of their meetings have come at Grand Slam level.
“I was dictating play and doing things the right way,” Djokovic said. “I have to be content, of course it can always be better, matches are only going to get tougher. It’s enjoyable to feel and play this way at a Grand Slam.”
Last year's champion next meets home favourite Gael Monfils or 30th seed Lorenzo Musetti. Djokovic holds a dominant 19-0 record against the Frenchman and has won four of his five meetings against Musetti, including last month in Monte-Carlo, where the 98-time tour-level titlist avenged his 2023 loss to the Italian in the Principality.
Still seeking his first title of 2024, Djokovic improved to 16-6 on the season overall and 8-3 on clay. Prior to this week, Djokovic said he had, 'low expectations but high hopes' for the season's second major. He did not back off of that statement in Thursday's post-match interview with Tennis Channel.
“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," said Djokovic, who in 2023 became the oldest Roland Garros champion. "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."
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