Djokovic's request for an earlier match came after he reportedly experienced sleep issues following his first-round victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, which concluded after 11:30 PM Paris time. Former player Nicolas Mahut revealed this on France TV on 27/5. Playing during the day, however, meant facing Paris's intense heat. Temperatures in the French capital have recently exceeded 30°C, with forecasts predicting up to 34°C on 29/5. The French meteorological and climate agency issued an orange heat warning for Paris, advising against strenuous sports during the hottest hours. These harsh conditions have already posed significant challenges for players at this year's Roland Garros, with world No. 49 Gabriel Diallo retiring mid-match in the first round and Cameron Norrie also stopping due to injury while struggling with the heat.
Despite the scorching heat and the pressure from the French crowd, Djokovic, a three-time Roland Garros champion, navigated a difficult match against Royer to secure his spot in the third round.
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Djokovic celebrated his victory over Royer with his signature guitar strumming style on Philippe Chatrier court in Paris, France on 27/5. *Reuters*.
"This was a very important victory under conditions that were not easy for either player", Djokovic said. "It was very hot, and I think Valentin also deserves credit for his performance today".
Djokovic appeared set to close out the match in three sets after winning the first two 6-3, 6-2. However, the 39-year-old player missed a match point while leading 6-5 in the third-set tie-break, ultimately losing it 11-9 to Royer. Royer's spirited resistance proved short-lived. In the fourth set, Djokovic broke Royer's serve in the fourth game. The victory, lasting three hours 28 minutes, extended Djokovic's streak to 30 consecutive wins against French players. He also set a new record with 83 appearances in Grand Slam men's singles matches, two more than Roger Federer's previous record.
His next opponent will be 28th seed Joao Fonseca. The two have never met before, promising an exciting showdown in the first week of Roland Garros. Fonseca is a highly anticipated young Brazilian talent who recently came back from two sets down to defeat Dino Prizmic 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 – the same player who had beaten Djokovic at the Rome Masters mid-month.
Vy Anh
