Novak Djokovic Known the lowest from the stockings, withdrawing from the French Open after having torn the meniscus on the right knee, and the highest of the summits, winning an Olympic gold medal for Serbia, in Roland-Garros last year.
This year, apart from certain first set interruptions by-and long discussions on-the windy and humid time, the major champion 24 times was confused during a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory Mackie McDonald From the United States to the Court Philippe-Chatrier in the first round on Tuesday.
“He gives the impression that a video game, almost for him,” said McDonald, a 30 -year -old Californian who played university tennis at the UCLA and was twice in the fourth round during the Grand Chelem tournaments. “He is able to do so.
An example: when McDonald won his first breaking points, arriving at Love-40 at 3-2 in the second set, Djokovic created three great services, an ACE of 120 MPH (193 km / h), an ACE of 123 MPH and a winner of 122 MPH.
Djokovic compiled 32 winners – 18 more than McDonald – and only 20 uns forked errors in a match that was finally played with the light lights and the retractable roof closed.
“I am a competitor and I lose stings,” said McDonald, “but playing Novak in this court is something I will remember.”
Before Djokovic, who has just been 38 years old and won his 100th career title last weekend, went to the surface of the game, he was identified by the advertiser of the stadium by his total number of slam trophies, the three he won at the French Open and the summer games he won “here in Paris”.
“I still remember last year’s Olympic Games,” said Djokovic thereafter. “It was the last time I was here. The emotion is very strong.”
The medal that means so much for him?
“I don’t have the medal with me. But I have a photo of the medal in my bag,” he said. “The medal is with my father. My father loves trophies more than me, so I gave him mine.”
The other winners included seed n ° 3 Alexander ZverevBut 2021 US Open Champion Daniil Medvedevwho was a seeded 11th grade, lost against Cameron NORRIE 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, 7-5 over almost four hours.
Who plays Roland-Garros on Wednesday? The second round begins day 4, with a calendar that includes the title champion Carlos Alcaraz and finalist twice Casper Ruud.
The information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
