NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic, eyeing his fourth Roland Garros title and record 25th Grand Slam, feels he's heading in a "positive direction" despite a recent dry spell. Having not reached a final since 2018, Djokovic found encouragement in his straight-sets victory over Pierre-Hugues Herbert, maintaining his perfect first-round record at Roland Garros.
Novak Djokovic, who has 98 career titles, experienced a title drought since 2018. Despite this, he found encouragement in his recent victory over Pierre-Hugues Herbert at Roland Garros, marking his 20th consecutive first-round win at the tournament.
"I'm glad that I started the way I started, the way I felt on the court," said Djokovic, who has advanced to the quarter-finals or better every year since 2010.
"Compared to the previous weeks of tournaments I played, I felt good, better. So I'm moving in a positive direction."
He added: "I was fist pumping, I was focused, I was there, I was present. So I'm pleased with the way I had a mindset on the court. That was something that I was looking for. And where are you going to feel that way if not in Grand Slams."
Next, Djokovic will take on Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena, whom he's defeated twice in straight sets previously. The rain-hit schedule forced a condensed fixture list, with 55 second-round ties scheduled on Thursday following Wednesday's washout.
Meanwhile, world number two Aryna Sabalenka secured an early win, overpowering Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchijima with 27 winners in a 6-2, 6-2 victory.
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