PARIS – Novak Djokovic was one point to finish fourth before closing off a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (1) victory at Thursday’s French Open after dealing with blisters on the big left toe that required a medical timeout in the third set.
“Anything can be done with him,” Djokovic said. “But I managed to find the right shot to stay in the match.”
As a result, Djokovic recorded Djokovic on his 20th record – even Rafael Nadal had no control over it.
Two more wins and Djokovic will reach the quarterfinals of the tournament for the 16th consecutive year. However, in 2024 he retreated before playing that round after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during the fourth round and requiring surgery.
Djokovic won the three-man record 24 Grand Slam title in Paris.
Against the French left-handed Mutet, Djokovic broke in the opening game at Court Suzanne Lendgren, and the crowd cried out. But soon Djokovic was in control. It wasn’t until the two in the third set that some troubles occurred.
Djokovic, who rode a night bike in central Paris on Wednesday, slid into his forehand and lifted him up, bouncing all his weight back onto his right foot. He stepped into the bystanders badly and requested a visit from a trainer who had treated and recorded the problematic toes.
Soon, Moutet was making a mean mug towards his entourage in the stands after taking a 4-2 lead in the third. Djokovic quickly broke, but once again faced a difficult place when the locals sang Mutet’s surname, and faced a set point when the locals sang Mutet’s surname.
However, Moutet netted a backhand pass shot and reached the tiebreaker, Djokovic was way too good.
This season hasn’t been that often as usual. This includes the 38-year-old from Serbia’s three-match losing streak.
However, Djokovic finished his latest rut by winning his 100th career title at the Geneva Open before arriving at Roland Garos.
“Before last week’s tournament in Geneva, I wasn’t confident in my game. But I haven’t won enough games, so it’s normal to feel that way,” Djokovic said. “I’m like the other player in that respect. I had to work hard to win.”
