PARIS (Reuters) – Top seed Novak Djokovic said he was “physically, mentally and emotionally” ready to claim a second French Open title after vigorously embarking on his quest on Tuesday.
In his first Grand Slam game since his disqualification from the US Open this month for accidentally hitting a linesman with a ball, Djokovic was in a 6-0: 6-2: 6-3 demolition of the young Swede Mikael Ymer the best in the first round.
Some had suggested that the number 1 Serbian world might suffer a response to his humiliation in New York, but he won the title in Rome ahead of Paris and on Tuesday extended his season record to 32-1. His only “loss” was the failure against Pablo Carreno Busta in the fourth round of the US Open.
While 12-time champion Rafa Nadal remains the easy favorite, the humid and difficult conditions with a deeper bouncing ball seem tailored to Djokovic’s precision style.
“I actually enjoyed myself on the pitch today. I think I played really well, ”Djokovic, who consistently behaved best, told reporters. “A few hiccups here and there, but I do
think in general the game is there.
“I am physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to dive deeply
The competition. Hopefully I can have another successful year here in Paris. I am definitely very confident. “
After his New York trauma, Djokovic’s opening test in Paris was as stress free as it gets and at times it looked like he was playing an exhibition game and teasing Ymer with dropshots and praises before beating up exquisite baseline winners.
The first set was over in 20 minutes.
“I thought I started very well,” said Djokovic, who beat Andy Murray to win his only French Open crown in 2016.
“Six love, that’s the best way to start a Grand Slam. Trying to get out of the blocks very strongly.
“You could see that there were some surprises on the first lap. You know, you’ve got (Daniil) Medvedev out, some great players. It says a lot about these conditions. “
Reporting by Martyn Herman; Arrangement by Toby Davis
.
