PARIS — Novak Djokovic handled a blister on his large 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 best pictures to remain within the match.”
The outcome put Djokovic within the third spherical at Roland-Garros for the file twentieth time – not even Rafael Nadal managed that.
Two extra wins, and Djokovic will get to the match’s quarterfinals for the sixteenth consecutive 12 months. 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.
In opposition to the left-handed Moutet, a Frenchman, Djokovic bought damaged within the opening recreation 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 experience 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 large toe.
Quickly, Moutet was mean-mugging towards his entourage within the stands after breaking to steer 4-2 within the third. Djokovic would break proper again, however once more confronted a tough spot whereas down 6-5 and dealing with a set level because the locals sang Moutet’s final title.
However Moutet netted a backhand passing shot, and as soon as they bought to a tiebreaker, Djokovic was just too good.
That hasn’t been the case as usually as normal 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 profitable 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 recreation. But it surely’s regular to really feel that manner, 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.”