PARIS : Novak Djokovic overcame a difficult start to defeat France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7 7-5 6-1 6-4 on Sunday and begin his latest quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open.
The victory also saw Djokovic surpass Roger Federer for the most men’s singles appearances at Grand Slam tournaments with 82.
Playing only his second claycourt match of the season, Djokovic struggled early on Court Philippe Chatrier as Mpetshi Perricard’s powerful serve troubled the third seed.
The Frenchman broke for a 6-5 lead in the opening set before sealing it with an ace, becoming the first player in 17 years to take a set off Djokovic in the opening round at Roland Garros.
“Congratulations to Giovanni,” Djokovic said in French after the match.
“I played him for the first time and it’s practically impossible to see where he will serve. It’s something I’ve seen maybe one or two times in my career.”
“In a match like that, you have to stay focused and wait for an opportunity. It was a bit difficult, but in the end I found my best tennis and best return game at the right moment.”
Djokovic finally converted his 10th break point of the second set to level the contest before raising his intensity to dominate the third.
Mpetshi Perricard later received treatment on his wrist and arm but recovered an early break in the fourth set before Djokovic broke again at 4-3 and closed out the match.
The Serb celebrated with a short dance before acknowledging the crowd.
“Beautiful atmosphere, it gives me a lot of sensations on the court,” Djokovic said.
