Novak Djokovic did what he had to do last night to ensure he avoided a first-round exit at Roland Garros this year.
After all, when the draw was first made, many feared that such an outcome was highly possible, given he was facing Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Given how well the Frenchman started too, those fears were on track to be confirmed as well.
Alas, the 39-year-old found a way, on a night when Djokovic made all-time tennis history just by appearing in this match.
John McEnroe has since offered his honest verdict on his performance.
John McEnroe rates Novak Djokovic’s win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Speaking live on TNT Sports after the match, the legendary American tennis star was complimentary of Novak Djokovic when discussing his win.
“I thought he looked and was hitting the ball pretty well actually,” he began, emphasising just how tough this first-round draw was.
Do you feel more or less confident that Novak Djokovic can win Roland Garros after that performance?
McEnroe added: “Take a look at the players who aren’t in the top 32 in the world. Who is the last person you would want to play if he was on? This guy! Mpetshi Pericard. The guy serves bombs, was going for broke, he does not give you the rhythm.
“He played unbelievable for a couple of hours, and it took a couple of hours for him to figure it out. But at the end of the day I thought he looked pretty good.
“At the end of the day, does he care about these other tournaments? No, he only cares about the majors. Novak is here to try and win 25; that is his goal.
“He didn’t really get into a rhythm because he wasn’t allowed to get into a rhythm. That is an awkward match for someone like him to play.”
The pundit concluded by stating: “All things considered, I thought he got out of this pretty nicely, considering the way it started. He has a couple of days off now.
“It’s when he gets to the third round, when he plays a Fonseca or even Przmic, or maybe Ruud in the round of 16, where we will get the real test of where he’s at.
“All in all I think it went pretty well.”
Djokovic has since provided a fitness update following his win over Mpetshi Perricard.
Why the atmosphere at Roland Garros cannot impact Novak Djokovic
The intriguing thing about being as successful and revered as Djokovic is that he can often split support.
After all, whilst fans will naturally want their hometown hero to succeed, most are also delighted to be in the presence of such greatness, and as such find themselves naturally willing him to succeed as well.
That was clear in last night’s night session at Roland Garros, with fans cheering for Mpetshi Perricard, but also showing their support for the Serbian as well.
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His legacy has earned him widespread respect, and he used this perfectly after he won the second set. Putting his finger to his ear, he whipped the crowd up, and from that point on, Djokovic remained untroubled.
He will face another French player in round two, but again should have no fears of a potentially hostile crowd. He has dealt with that many times in the past, but now his relationship with the onlooking supporters seems much more amicable.
