Photo by Loic Baratoux/Icon Sport
Novak Djokovic vs Pierre Hugues Herbert: Roland Garros – first round
The world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is starting his chase for the record 25th Grand Slam title against the home player Pierre Hugues Herbert in the opening round of Roland Garros.
Novak Djokovic Profile
The world No. 1 Novak Djokovic has yet to win a title this year, which is the first time in more than a decade to be empty-handed at this point of the season. The Serbian is 14-6 for the season and 6-3 on clay.
Last week, Djokovic played in Geneva, where he defeated Yannick Hanfmann and Tallon Griekspoor before losing to Tomas Machac.
His best results of the season are the semifinals at the Australian Open and Monaco.
Djokovic has won three times at Roland Garros, the last in 2023.
Pierre Hugues Herbert Profile
Pierre Hugues Herbert is 142nd in the ATP rankings, and his career high was No. 36 in the world. The Frenchman is 18–13 for the season and 5-7 on clay.
Herbert is coming off a 7-6, 4-6, 7-5 loss to Barranco Cosano in the qualifying round in Lyon. Herbert won the Challenger in Quimper this season and lost in the final in Neapol.
He has been playing at Roland Garros every year since 2011, and his best result was the third round in 2018.
Head-to-Head Djokovic leads 1-0
- Djokovic vs Herbert 7-6, 6-3 (2013 Paris Masters, second round)
Prediction and Conclusion
Novak Djokovic turned 37 last week, and it is a fact that he is past his prime. The level of his game is not as high as it used to be, but it is clear that he is still mentally strong, and it will take a lot of effort for anyone to beat him at Roland Garros. The home hope Pierre Hugues Herbert is definitely not someone who can be any kind of problem for Djokovic. The Frenchman will have support from the home court at Phillip Chatrier Court, but Djokovic is used to playing against everybody in the building. This will be some type of preparation for the Serbian for the next challenges, and he will win this match in straight sets.
