Djokovic vs Herbert: Things we learned – Roland-Garros

“I would say that I know what I’m capable of, and particularly in the Grand Slams I normally play the best tennis, at least I aim always to play the best tennis, and I was most of my career able to do that, so that’s the goal,” he said on Sunday. 

His two-hour and 31-minute opening win wasn’t always his brilliant best, but he rose to the occasion when necessary. Herbert, a two-time Roland-Garros doubles champion who was once top 40 in singles, also played a part. Though he doesn’t play as much singles now, the 33-year-old Frenchman, buoyed by his home crowd, stuck with the world No.1 after a speedy first set with big serves, timely volleys, and expert variety.

Mental strength? Never in doubt

A rapid-fire first set went Djokovic’s way in just 39 minutes, and the stats would have certainly made him happy. He hit 11 winners to just two unforced errors, and lost just three points on serve. But sets two and three got more complicated for the top seed, thanks in equal parts to some inspired, bold play from Herbert and his own fluctuating level.

But something that’s rarely in doubt with Djokovic is mental toughness, and he needed every inch of it in a second set that was crucial for the overall tenor of the match. He served to stay in the set twice – and delivered with aplomb to love both times. Five of the first six points of the tie-break went his way, too, and played a big part towards assuaging any of the top seed’s frustrations.