Defending champion Novak Djokovic started his French Open campaign with a 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory over Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round. Despite not being at his best, Djokovic acknowledged the solid performance but expressed room for improvement, particularly in return games.
Djokovic, aiming to secure his 25th Grand Slam singles title, emphasized the significance of major tournaments in motivating his daily efforts. With a challenging season so far, Djokovic's win at Roland Garros marked a positive step forward, although he maintained 'low expectations and high hopes' for the tournament.
The Serbian star, who holds a remarkable record of 69-0 in opening matches at Grand Slam events, faces Roberto Carballés Baena in the second round. Djokovic's victory contrasted with Rafael Nadal's surprising first-round exit, setting the stage for an intriguing tournament.
Elsewhere, Casper Ruud, the runner-up in last year's final, secured a straight-sets win, while Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina also advanced with convincing victories. Sabalenka, eyeing a potential calendar-year Grand Slam, emphasized a step-by-step approach to maintain focus and performance.
The first round of the French Open witnessed competitive matches and notable performances, setting the tone for an exciting tournament ahead. With rain causing delays early in the day, players showcased resilience and determination in pursuit of success on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
