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I love Roland Garros, says Djokovic

Updated on: 24 May,2011 07:58 AM IST |
AFP |

After his opening round win, Djokovic says French Open is his favourite Grand SlAm even though he hasn't won it yet

After his opening round win, Djokovic says French Open is his favourite Grand Slam even though he hasn't won it yet

Second seed Djokovic enjoyed a 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 dismissal of hapless Dutchman Thiemo De Bakker in the first round.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a shot during yesterday's first round
match against Dutch Thiemo De Bakker in Paris. Djokovic won
6-2, 6-1, 6-3. PIC/Getty Images

Also going through on a sweltering day at Roland Garros was former US Open champion, and 2009 semi-finalist here, Juan Martin del Potro, a winner in four sets against Croatia's Ivo Karlovic.

But sixth seed Czech Tomas Berdych, a semi-finalist last year, wilted in the heat, losing in five sets to French qualifier Stephane Robert, the World No 140.

One day after his 24th birthday, the red-hot, World No 2 Djokovic comfortably saw off the 71st-ranked De Bakker in just 92 minutes.

Djokovic, who is likely to depose Rafael Nadal as World No 1 by the end of the tournament, is also favourite to snatch the Spaniard's French Open title, having seen off his rival in the Madrid and Rome claycourt finals.

His win yesterday took him to within four victories of equalling John McEnroe's 1984 record for a winning season start of 42 triumphs.

"It's my favourite Grand Slam, even though I haven't won it yet," said Djokovic, a semi-finalist in 2007 and 2008.

Djokovic's complete winning streak has now reached 40 matches, stretching back to Serbia's Davis Cup triumph in December.

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