Novak Djokovic begins his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title with victory in Paris

Novak Djokovic, on Tuesday began his title defence with a battling victory at Roland Garros to ensure a second round entry at the only clay slam event in France.

The 37-year-old Serbian defeated his opponent and Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in a 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-4 first-round win.

Knowing he must reach at least the final to have a chance to hold off Jannik Sinner and remain World No. 1, Djokovic will next meet Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round, with Gael Monfils or Lorenzo Musetti lurking beyond that.

Still seeking his first title of 2024, Djokovic improved to 15-6 on the season overall and 7-3 on clay. The 37-year-old became the oldest champion in Roland Garros history last year and is seeking to break his own mark with a record-extending 25th Grand Slam men’s singles title this fortnight.

Djokovic’s best clay-court results this season are semi-final runs in Monte-Carlo and Geneva. His surprise Geneva appearance came as a wild card in the week before Roland Garros, with the Serbian eager for more match play ahead of the clay major.

Elsewhere, Alexander Bublik defeated Gregoire Barrere 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 to reach the second round in Paris.

Thanasi Kokkinakis wins 4-6, 7¹⁰-6⁸, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 against Alexei Popyrin in the battle of Australians.

Flavio Cobolli continues his very good 2024 season after defeating Hamad Medjedovic 6-2, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-3 to reach the second round for the first time. He will next face Rune in the next round.