|
The world number three, who sparked controversy
by writing "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia" on a camera lens
earlier this week, survived a high-octane end to the first set
to advance to a clash with Spanish 29th seed Alejandro
Davidovich Fokina.
"Thank you everyone for your support and presence. I hope you
had fun tonight especially in the first set - me, a bit less,"
Djokovic said on court.
"I was not surprised, I know him very well he can play at a very
high level on all surfaces. Then I played my best game. I'm very
happy with that."
Under the lights of Philippe Chatrier court, Djokovic, bidding
for a record-breaking 23rd men's singles Grand Slam title and a
third Musketeers Cup, came out with all guns blazing against the
world number 83 Fucsovics.
Djokovic raced into a 3-0 lead before his opponent found his
rhythm to set up three break points at 4-2.
Djokovic saved them but Fucsovics battled back to level for 5-5.
The Serbian yelled at his box on his way to the bench after
holding for 6-5 before breezing through the tiebreak.
Djokovic broke his opponent's serve in the opening game of the
second set and he did not look back, cruising to victory despite
being broken twice more.
He went on to sign the camera lens, avoiding another political
message.
Djokovic is no stranger to political distractions at a Grand
Slam after he defended his father at the Australian Open in
January, when a video emerged showing him posing with fans
holding Russian flags amid the war in Ukraine.
"Drama-free Grand Slam, I don't think it can happen for me. I
guess that drives me, as well," he told a press conference.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Toby Davis and Ed
Osmond)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
