PARIS — Novak Djokovic handled a blister on his huge left toe that required a medical timeout within the third set, then was one level from being compelled to a fourth, earlier than closing out a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (1) victory over Corentin Moutet on the French Open on Thursday.
“With him, something’s potential,” Djokovic mentioned. “However I managed to seek out the suitable pictures to remain within the match.”
The consequence put Djokovic within the third spherical at Roland-Garros for the report twentieth time – not even Rafael Nadal managed that.
Two extra wins, and Djokovic will get to the match’s quarterfinals for the sixteenth consecutive yr. In 2024, although, he withdrew earlier than taking part in in that spherical after tearing the meniscus in his proper knee throughout the fourth spherical and needing surgical procedure.
Djokovic has received three of his males’s-record 24 Grand Slam titles in Paris.
Towards the left-handed Moutet, a Frenchman, Djokovic obtained damaged within the opening sport at Courtroom Suzanne-Lenglen, and the group roared. However quickly sufficient, Djokovic was in management. It wasn’t till 2-all within the third set that some bother arose.
Djokovic, who went on a nighttime bicycle journey within the heart of Paris on Wednesday, slid right into a forehand and held up, then hopped with all of his weight on his proper foot. He stepped gingerly to the sideline and requested a go to from a coach, who handled and taped the problematic huge toe.
Quickly, Moutet was mean-mugging towards his entourage within the stands after breaking to guide 4-2 within the third. Djokovic would break proper again, however once more confronted a tough spot whereas down 6-5 and going through a set level because the locals sang Moutet’s final identify.
However Moutet netted a backhand passing shot, and as soon as they obtained to a tiebreaker, Djokovic was just too good.
That hasn’t been the case as typically as regular this season, which has included a pair of three-match shedding streaks for the 38-year-old from Serbia.
However Djokovic ended his newest rut by successful his a hundredth profession title on the Geneva Open earlier than arriving at Roland-Garros.
“Earlier than final week’s match in Geneva, I did not really feel assured in my sport. But it surely’s regular to really feel that means, as a result of I hadn’t received sufficient matches,” Djokovic mentioned. “I am like some other participant in that respect. I’ve needed to work arduous to win.”