Novak Djokovic vs. Pierre-Hugues Herbert
“Low expectations but high hopes” is how Djokovic describes his mindset as he tries to defend his title at Roland Garros. The 37-year-old hasn’t had a good season by his standards. For the first time in years, he comes to Paris without a title; his coaching team is unsettled; and his last two defeats, in Rome and Geneva, were lackluster efforts at best.
But as Alexander Zverev said recently, Djokovic “will be at his best” in Paris. “That’s just the way it is.” It’s certainly hard to argue with his record at majors. Djokovic’s hopes may high in part because his old nemesis at this event, Rafael Nadal, has already made his exit.
Djokovic will start with a night match in Chatrier against Herbert, a 33-year-old doubles specialist from France. Even with the crowd firmly in favor of Herbert, though, he probably won’t scare Djokovic. PHM is ranked 142nd now, and hasn’t qualified for an ATP main draw so far this year. His trademark is his acrobatic service motion, and the arcing kick that it produces. Even against a Djokovic in relative disarray, though, Herbert will need a lot more than that on Tuesday. Winner: Djokovic
