Novak Djokovic had an early test on Sunday, dropping the first set of the French Open to unseeded Frenchman Giovanni Mpesi Pericard.
But he rallied to win a tough second set and was on track from there until winning 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round at Roland Garros.
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Mpesi Pericad seemed to run out of steam after a long first two sets. Tested at the Grand Slam, Djokovic blitzed through the third match and took the lead in the fourth by defeating Mpesi Pericado.
Mpesi Pericad fought back to break Djokovic’s first serve in the fourth set and keep the final set competitive. However, Djokovic ultimately won and had enough energy to do a little dance after securing victory with a forehand winner.
The two shared an online hug, and Mpesi Pellikar received appreciative cheers from the Roland Garros crowd as he left the court in defeat.
Djokovic secured victory in his 82nd career Grand Slam start, breaking the tie for most by a male player with Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez. Djokovic has started 22 matches at Roland Garros, reaching the first round in each of them.
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The third-seeded Serbian is aiming for the fourth French Open title of his career and first since 2023. Djokovic will face fellow Frenchman Valentin Royer in the second round.
