Novak Djokovic defeated Valentin Royer, 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, in the second round of the French Open.
It was the Serb who prevailed in one of the most entertaining four-set matches you will ever see.
After two relatively straightforward sets, Royer began to make life difficult for Djokovic as momentum swung back and forth on Court Philippe Chatrier.
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Securing the win after three and a half hours of action, the 24-time Grand Slam champion shared his thoughts.
Novak Djokovic says the atmosphere was ‘amazing’ but doesn’t want to play another Frenchman at Roland Garros
During his post-match interview, Djokovic delivered his verdict on his four-set win over Royer.
“Clearly, the emotions are different when you win the match,” he said (translated from French on TNT Sports).
“Really, really important win for me.
“Difficult conditions for both of us, for both players, really, really hot on the court.
“Valentin [Royer] deserves a big round of applause.
“This match was really hard, a big challenge.
Novak Djokovic vs Valentin Royer – Match stats
| Stats | Novak Djokovic | Valentin Royer |
| Aces | 10 | 10 |
| Double faults | 9 | 4 |
| 1st Serve % | 66% | 64% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 78% | 66% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 58% | 58% |
| Break points | 6/9 | 2/7 |
“Found his best game in that third set, when I was serving for the match a couple of times.
“Thought I might win it, but in the end, these are the kinds of games that provide the challenges.”
Djokovic then shared his one hope for the rest of the 2026 French Open.
“Hope I don’t play against any other French player until the end of the tournament!” he said.
“That’s enough for me, played two matches, and feel like I’ve played for two weeks!”
Novak Djokovic at the 2026 French Open
- 1R [WIN] vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (France)
- 2R [WIN] vs Valentin Royer (France)
The French fans delayed play on several occasions, contributing to an electric atmosphere on Chatrier.
Djokovic was frustrated during the match, but appreciated them afterwards.
“The experience made a big difference, it’s just the ability to concentrate on each point, live in the moment, I guess,” he said.
“Easier to say than do…
“But the crowd were involved fully, it wasn’t easy for me.
“One break was enough [in the final set], very, very hot day, and the atmosphere was amazing.”
Djokovic won’t have to play a Frenchman in his next match, as he prepares to take on either Brazil’s Joao Fonseca or Croatia’s Dino Prizmic.
Novak Djokovic hands French Open advantage to Jannik Sinner
If Djokovic is to win his 25th Grand Slam in Paris, he will likely need to beat the world number one, Jannik Sinner.
Most fans agree that Djokovic’s chances of doing so are slim, and with every extra minute he spends on court, they get slimmer.
The 39-year-old nearly had his second-round match wrapped up in two hours, leading by a break in the third set, before Royer fought back brilliantly.
Forced to play another hour and a half this early on in the tournament, who knows how that will affect Djokovic, should he play Sinner in the final?
Only time will tell if Djokovic can get that far, but for now, he’ll turn his attention to the third round.
Greg Rusedski delivers his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s hard-fought win over Valentin Royer
During BBC Radio 5 Live’s post-match coverage, former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski said the following.
“Impressive stuff from Novak. He battled,” he said.
“His second serve points weren’t great today, but it’s all about finding a way to win. I don’t think you saw his dancing celebration because I don’t think he had much left with his legs to dance with.
“He’s 39 years of age and is breathing quite hard at the end of this match. This was a true test for Novak.
“He’s going to have to up his level again if he’s going to continue in these championships.
“Physically, he looked like he’d been struggling. A lot of the players have been struggling with this heat, but the good news for Djokovic is he’s going to start playing in the evening, and, as Novak does, he finds solutions.
“Even at 39 years of age, it’s just impressive, and I have nothing but respect for him.”
The 39-year-old will return to play his third-round match against Fonseca or Prizmic on Friday, May 29.
