Novak Djokovic overcame a wobble in the first set of his clash with Marton Fucsovics before securing a straight-sets win and advancing to the third round at Roland-Garros.
After squandering a 5-2 lead in the opening set and ending up in a tiebreak, Djokovic recovered for a 7-6(2) 6-0 6-3 win over the Hungarian in two hours and 47 minutes.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion admitted afterwards that he was surprised by his opponent’s level before revealing that he struggled with the windy conditions out on Court Philippe Chatrier.
‘’First set was very tough and I'm sure the crowd enjoyed it,’’ Djokovic said after the match.
‘’The second and third were terrific. I was very happy with my game.
‘’I had problems to win it [the first set], all the players when on Chatrier want to play their best level.
''I was surprised at his level. I know him very well and he can play very well. I was very focused on what I had to do.
"Same preparation [for the next game]. A lot of wind to deal with. It was difficult to control the ball in this wind.
‘’You have to adjust your feet and everything you are doing all the time. But night sessions are very special.’’
Djokovic is bidding for a third French Open title, and 23rd Grand Slam title, and will face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the next round on Friday.
‘’I think [I was nervous] because it was 7-6 in one-and-a-half hours,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference when questioned about the marathon of an opening set.
“I mean, if I'm not nervous on the court, there are two reasons. [Either] I'm very loose and comfortable and confident, or I don't care much about playing or winning.
“Nervousness is part of my job, is part of what I do. Sometimes I express it, sometimes I internalise it.
‘’At times, you know, I chat with myself. At times I chat with my team. [The] important thing is that whatever happens, that you manage to kind of regroup and go ahead in the right direction.’’
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