Djokovic secures second round slot at French Open

On Monday, as the sold-out crowd roared on Rafael Nadal in potentially his final battle on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Novak Djokovic was in an unusual position. For him, anyway.

- KIERAN JACKSON

Usually, the world No 1 would be up the other end, walloping back another backhand or sprinting to a whipped Nadal forehand. But not this year and, by the end of 2024, Djokovic is likely to be the final member of the “big four” standing.

The Serb was in the stands during Nadal’s loss to Alexander Zverev – alongside the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek – watching the end of an era with the 14-time champion’s likely farewell from the French Open.

But last night, the world No 1 was back in familiar territory: winning at a Grand Slam.

He didn’t have it all his own way, particularly in a tight secondset, but the defending champion emerged victorious in a boisterous atmosphere under the lights against French wild card Pierre-Hugues Herbert, 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-4. And given his season so far, Djokovic will be satisfied with his level against a player who rose to the night-time stage.