Three-time runner-up Novak Djokovic began his Roland Garros 2016 campaign on Tuesday, defeating world no.95 Yen-Hsun Lu 6-4, 6-1, 6-1.
Novak broke his rival seven times from 14 opportunities during the 90-minute clash on Court Philippe Chatrier. Having levelled for 4-4 in the first set with his only break, Lu only won two more games before Djokovic sealed his 38th win of the season.
“Second and third sets were really good. I thought I found my rhythm. First set was up and down,” Novak said. “But I’ll take the positives out of it, and I’m hoping I can progress as the tournament goes on.”
Match statistics: aces (1-2), double faults (1-4), winners (35-13), unforced errors (22-25), total points won (93-55).
In the second round, Novak will play against no.161 in the ATP rankings, Belgian qualifier Steve Darcis (2-0 H2H), who beat Marsel Ilhan of Turkey (6-3, 6-4, 6-0).
The 29-year-old Serbian ace is spending his 200th week at No.1 in the ATP Rankings. Only four players since 1973 have been ranked more weeks at the summit of men’s professional tennis, including Jimmy Connors (268), Ivan Lendl (270), Pete Sampras (286) and Roger Federer (302).
Photo: AFP / Getty Images
