World no.1 Novak Djokovic opened his Roland-Garros title defence marketing campaign on the fitting foot on Tuesday night.
The highest seed recorded a 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Pierre-Hugues Herbert on Courtroom Philippe-Chatrier in two hours and 31 minutes to achieve the second spherical.
Novak fought off a stern problem and upped his degree when it mattered to seal the triumph.
The Serbian star broke thrice from seven alternatives, whereas Herbert used the one likelihood he earned in the course of the conflict.
Djokovic was comfy on serve all through the match, successful 84 per cent of his first-serve factors and 73 per cent behind his second serve.
Match statistics: aces (4-7), double faults (2-7), winners (29-37), unforced errors (18-31), complete factors gained (103-81).
Subsequent up for Novak is Roberto Carballes Baena (ATP no.63, H2H 2-0). The Spaniard defeated Fixed Lestienne of France 6-3, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2.
Photograph: AP
