The French Open, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, kicked off with a thrilling first round match between Novak Djokovic and Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Djokovic, the reigning world number one and multiple Grand Slam champion, faced a tough challenge from the Frenchman in his quest for another title at Roland Garros.
Despite facing a spirited effort from Herbert, Djokovic showcased his trademark resilience and skill to edge out a hard-fought victory. The Serbian's precision groundstrokes and mental toughness were on full display as he navigated through the match with poise and determination.
The 2024 French Open at Roland Garros is now in full swing, and it's time for Novak Djokovic to step onto the clay court. The world No. 1 and top seeded man in the tournament has had a tough year in tennis. The current record holder for men’s Grand Slam singles titles (with 24), Djokovic is entering the 2024 French Open without a single trophy won so far this year. Will he shake this uncharacteristic losing streak? Djokovic faces French player Pierre-Hugues Herbert today. The Day 3 match has just begun. You can find the full order of play at Roland Garros here.
Djokovic hasn’t won a title since ending the 2023 season with a win at the ATP Finals, an uncharacteristic drought for the 24-time Grand Slam champion and his longest since he went 11 months without a title between 2017 and 2018.
The first round closed on a day during which rain delayed play for several hours early in the day on all but the two principal courts, which are outfitted with retractable roofs.
Other winners May 28 included the man Djokovic beat in last year’s French Open final, Casper Ruud, and past major champions Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina.
Ruud, who also was the runner-up to Nadal in Paris in 2022 and leads the ATP with 36 wins in 2024, beat Felipe Meligeni Alves 6-3, 6-4, 6-3.
Two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka overpowered Erika Andreeva 6-1, 6-2, and 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina beat Greet Minnen 6-2, 6-3.
Djokovic will next meet Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round, with Lorenzo Musetti or Gael Monfils potentially beyond that in the third round. The Serbian must reach at least the final in order to have a chance to hold off Jannik Sinner and remain World No. 1 following the tournament.
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