Novak Djokovic passed Valentin Royer test as he defeated home favourite 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(9), 6-3 in the second round of the ongoing Roland Garros. After winning the first two sets, the Serbian lost the third set in the tiebreaker but finished the game in four sets.
Djokovic had a match point in tiebreaker at 6-5 but could not capitalise on it. The Serbian admitted the hot conditions were not easy for both players and he was delighted with the win.
“Clearly, the feelings on the court are different when you win a match, so it was a very important victory in conditions that weren’t easy for both players,” Djokovic said in French in his on-court interview. “It was very hot and I think that Valentin deserves a big round of applause for his performance today.
“It was a very difficult match, a very big challenge from the start. Credit to him for winning the third set, but I feel it was my fault because I was twice a break up and [attempted] to serve for the match.”
Djokovic will next face Brazilian 28th seed Fonseca, who rallied from two sets down to beat Croatian Dino Prizmic and book his spot in the third round.
Fonseca registered a 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 win to advance at Roland Garros. The Brazilian admitted the opponent played brilliantly in the first two sets.
“I think he played really good in the first two sets. It was tough for me. I was not playing good, and he was just destroying me,” Fonseca said. “I’m very happy the way that I stayed positive, the way that I stayed with the good mentality.”
The 19-year-old is looking forward to the opportunity of playing against one of the best players in the game’s history.
“For me it’s just a big pleasure. I always talk to my coach, like, ‘I want to be in Novak’s draw’,” Fonseca said. “I just want to have this experience in my life. I think I’m just going to enjoy it. I mean, being in Roland Garros, third round, for me it’s just a dream. I’m going to enjoy every moment playing against an idol, the GOAT of the sport. Yeah, hopefully I can do a great match.
“Of course, stepping on the court, of course I’m going to respect him, but trying to make my best and win this match.”
