Djokovic raises his wall in Paris | ATP Tour

Roland Garros

Djokovic continues to build his wall in Paris

The Serbian has reached the 3rd round in the last 19 editions

May 30, 2024

Novak Djokovic wants to recover the game that has made him a legend and Roland Garros gives him the necessary margin to try. The Balkan reached the third round of Paris this Thursday for the 19th consecutive season, coupling his blows in a tournament where his solidity was permanent throughout his career. With the brick dust ensuring the effort and the five sleeves as a shield, the Serbian advances in a scenario that protects him like no other.

The No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings resisted in a tight clash against Roberto Carballés Baena, defeating the Spaniard 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 after two hours and five minutes of play. In a season where he has struggled to reach his best level, Djokovic handled himself in a duel full of pace on clay, ideal for adjusting his strokes heading into the second week of competition in Paris. His first two duels, in which he has not given up a set, serve as a welcome letter for the current champion.

“I’m glad I got through the first two rounds in straight sets,” said Djokovic, who needs to reach the final to maintain his chances of retaining the world No. 1. “Again at the beginning, during the first set, it was demanding. He’s played really well, aggressive from the start. I needed a little more time to start hitting looser. The break was key to close the first set. After that, the second and third races went well for me.”

[ALSO LIKE]

The victory allows Djokovic to impeccably dominate the Lexus ATP Head2Head record (3-0) against Carballés Baena, with whom he has built his rivalry entirely in Grand Slam tournaments. The Balkan added his Roland Garros triumph to those previously achieved at the US Open and the Australian Open, completing a collection of great duels on the biggest stages.

Djokovic will play the third round of the tournament against the local favorite Gael Monfils or the No. 30 seed Lorenzo Musetti, two profiles well known to the current champion. The Serbian has a 19-0 dominance over the Frenchman and has good memories in Paris against the Italian, whom he overcame two sets in the Philippe Chatrier on the way to the title in the 2021 season.

Although he has not had his most stable season, pieces of history accompany Djokovic’s every step. The Serbian can become the third man in the Open Era capable of lifting at least four individual Roland Garros cups, following in the footsteps of eternal players in Paris such as the Swede Bjorn Borg (4) and the Spanish Rafael Nadal (12).

Did you know…?
Novak Djokovic is the second man with the most singles victories (94) in the entire history of Roland Garros. The Balkan, champion in the 2016, 2021 and 2023 editions, can be on the verge of a hundred wins in the Parisian Grand Slam. The Spanish Rafael Nadal (112) holds the all-time record for matches won in the French tournament.