Highlights from the men’s singles match between Novak Djokovic and Roberto Carballes Baena on Day 5 of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris.
Novak Djokovic was delighted with his round-the-post winner at the French Open, telling Eurosport: “I don’t know if I’ve ever done that” and admitting he “always envied the players who have”.
The world No. 1 comfortably defeated Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets on Thursday to move into the third round, and put in a performance that marked a return to top form.
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A moment of mesmerising skill in set three was the highlight, when Djokovic scampered to the edge of the court to steer a backhand winner around the net post before imploring the Philippe Chatrier crowd to raise the roof in recognition.
“I haven’t had too many shots like this in my life. I don’t know if I’ve ever done that,” Djokovic said in The Cube on Eurosport’s French Open coverage.
“That’s why I was asking the crowd to cheer a little bit louder. I don’t recall ever doing it and I always envied the players who have done it at least once in their career.
“Playing around the post is really cool, it’s a great highlight. So when I saw his drop shot moving away from the doubles line, I thought this was my chance, and it was pretty good.”
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Djokovic has had a difficult 2024 season so far by his high standards and arrived at Roland-Garros without a single title to his name and with recent shock defeats in Rome and Geneva fresh in the memory.
The 24-time major winner also split with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic at the end of March and hasn’t yet replaced him full-time.
Asked by Eurosport expert Tim Henman if he needs a coach or can take care of his game by himself, Djokovic explained his current set-up in Paris.