Novak Djokovic on Monday started his bid for a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam singles title with a straight-sets victory over Aleksandar Kovacevic at Roland Garros, as Carlos Alcaraz dazzled in his opening victory.
Two-time Roland Garros champion Djokovic held off a late rally from his American opponent on Court Philippe Chatrier to clinch a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) victory.
He has still not lost in his opening match of a major since the 2006 Australian Open.
Photo: Reuters
“I want to dominate whoever I play against regardless of the circumstances and who is across the net, but sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic is only seeded third this year despite the absence of his great rival and 14-time winner Rafael Nadal through injury, behind world No. 1 Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev.
He is tied with Nadal for most men’s Slam singles trophies and just one behind the 23 of Serena Williams. Margaret Court holds the all-time record of 24.
Alcaraz began his attempt to win a second Grand Slam title in fine style against Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli, the world No. 159 playing in a Grand Slam for the first time.
The top seed powered to a 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 victory, despite also struggling to get over the line.
Former champion Stan Wawrinka, 38, out-fought Albert Ramos-Vinolas over 4 hours, 35 minutes, winning 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 1-6, 6-4 to set up a clash with Thanasi Kokkinakis.
“It’s one of the big reasons why I keep playing is to relive those emotions,” Wawrinka said of the five-set marathon.
In the women’s draw, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina won her first match at a Slam event since last year’s Australian Open, beating last year’s semi-finalist Martina Trevisan 6-2, 6-2.
The former world No. 3 recently returned to the tour following maternity leave, having previously taken a break from the sport citing health problems and mental exhaustion following Russia’s invasion of her home country.
“These kind of moments, these little wins ... on a level, which is very low, but these moments bring joy to people of Ukraine,” Svitolina said.
French fifth seed Caroline Garica gave the home fans something to cheer for with a 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-4 win over Wang Xiyu. Former runner-up Sloane Stephens dumped out 16th seed Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-4 and 2021 losing finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova beat Linda Fruhvirtova 6-2, 6-2.
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