Novak Djokovic crushes his opponent Yoshihito Nishioka, depicts Unmatched desperation to defend his title
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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic won his first Grand Slam match of the season at the French Open, defeating world No. 99 Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4 6-1 6-0 in just four games. The world No.1 is the defending champion in Paris, and he got his bid for a second consecutive title off to a flying start, qualifying for round two in just an hour and 59 minutes.
In what was the debut of the French Open’s brand new night sessions, Djokovic returned to Court Philippe-Chatrier 51 weeks after winning the French Open. It was also his first Grand Slam match of the year after being deported from Australia on the eve of the Australian Open earlier in the year.
“I am pleased with the match”- Novak Djokovic
But it wasn’t the best start for the reigning champion, who had to save three break points in a long first game to stay on serve. Nishioka held his own against the top seed until he was serving at 2-3 when Djokovic pounced and secured the first break of the match. With the Japanese player serving at 2-5 down with a set point, he had another breakpoint, but Nishioka held on and pushed the Serb to close out a 6-3 set after 52 minutes.
As he broke in the first game of the second set, the two-time champion in Paris had all the momentum. After saving a breakpoint on his own service, Djokovic continued his run of games and broke twice more to serve for the set at 5-0, but Nishioka took advantage of a rare second-set error by the top seed. However, things swiftly turned around for the 35-year-old when he broke to capture the second 6-1 in 36 minutes.
“I am pleased with the match. I struggled to adapt in the first set. He is a very quick player. The first set was close but I cruised through the second and third. I always expect the highest for myself but it was a very good start,” Novak Djokovic told the reporters.
“I looked forward to getting out on court. I have been feeling well on clay in the past few weeks. I am happy to be back. The memories from last year are fresh in my mind, “ he added.
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Pritha Ghosh
(414 Articles Published)