Novak Djokovic skilled the bottom of lows – pulling out of the French Open after tearing the meniscus in his proper knee – and the best of highs – successful a long-sought Olympic gold medal for Serbia – at Roland-Garros final 12 months.
This 12 months, aside from some first-set interruptions by, and prolonged discussions about, the windy, moist climate, the 24-time main champion was unbothered throughout a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over 98th-ranked Mackie McDonald of the US at Courtroom Philippe-Chatrier within the first spherical.
“He makes it seem to be a online game, virtually, for him,” mentioned McDonald, a 30-year-old Californian who performed faculty tennis at UCLA and twice has been to the fourth spherical at Grand Slam tournaments. “He is capable of simply accomplish that a lot. I do not even assume he was taking part in his greatest tennis or his highest degree. But when I pushed him to a special level, he would convey it up.”
One instance: When McDonald earned his first break factors, attending to love-40 at 3-2 within the second set, Djokovic got here up with three massive serves, a 120 mph (193 kph) ace, a 123 mph (199 kph) ace and a 122 mph (197 kph) service winner.
Djokovic compiled 32 winners – 18 greater than McDonald – and simply 20 unforced errors in a match that ultimately was performed with the lights on and the retractable roof closed.
“I am a competitor, and shedding stings,” McDonald mentioned, “however taking part in Novak on that court docket is one thing I will keep in mind.”
Earlier than Djokovic, who simply turned 38 and gained his a hundredth profession title final weekend, walked onto the taking part in floor, he was recognized by the stadium announcer by his complete variety of Slam trophies, the three he is gained on the French Open, and the Summer season Video games gold he gained “right here in Paris.”
“I nonetheless keep in mind final 12 months’s Olympic Video games. It was the final time I used to be right here,” Djokovic mentioned afterward. “The emotion may be very sturdy.”
The medal meaning a lot to him?
“I haven’t got the medal with me. However I’ve an image of the medal in my bag,” he mentioned. “The medal is with my father. My dad likes trophies greater than I do, so I gave him mine.”
Different winners included the No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev, however 2021 U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who was seeded eleventh, misplaced to Cameron Norrie 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, 7-5 throughout practically 4 hours.
Who’s taking part in at Roland-Garros on Wednesday? The second spherical begins on Day 4, with a schedule that features defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and two-time finalist Casper Ruud.
Info from The Related Press contributed to this report.
