Djokovic subdues Munar challenge
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RESURGENCE The straightset win over his rival notwithstanding, Novak made to dig deep into his reserves
Djokovic continued his clay court-season resurgence with another straight-sets win at the French Open, defeating Jaume Munar 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 6-4.
The former world No 1 has admitted motivation has been an issue during a tough spell in which form and fitness have deserted him — last winning an ATP Tour title at Eastbourne in July — but he pushed clay king Rafael Nadal hard last time out in the Internazionali d’Italia final.
And Djokovic has started well at Roland Garros, following up Monday’s triumph over Rogerio Dutra Silva with a hard-fought victory on Court Suzanne Lenglen. The 20th seed was made to battle for his place in the third round by Munar, with his touches of veteran class required to maintain a bid for his first grand slam title since the 2016 competition.
‘NO CHANCE’
Nadal had given Munar “practically nil” chance of upsetting Djokovic, but he was in the match from the off and a double fault and an immediate break gave the Serbian work to do.
The response was swift as Djokovic looked to force the issue, moving 4-1 up after a double break, yet Munar stayed in touch with his esteemed opponent and then drew level with a backhand volley at the end of a sensational rally as he rattled off three successive games.
BRUTAL TIE-BREAK Although Djokovic had far too much quality in a brutal tiebreak, he again struggled to shake off the determined 21-year-old in the second set, until a series of pivotal rallies secured the decisive break and then a hold.
Munar still kept pushing in the third, but he volleyed into the net at close quarters to concede another break, allowing
Djokovic to see out a testing encounter in under two and a half hours.
The world number 22 will now face Roberto Bautista Agut, another Spaniard, in the third round.
MOTIVATION AN ISSUE
Djokovic admitted he had struggled to get motivated in the past year after struggling with injuries.
“In recent times, it was sometimes difficult to have a global vision,” he told L’Equipe.
“There have been days in the past 12 months when I felt unmotivated because of the injury and challenges that awaited me. But that’s life.
“There are days when you have to clench your teeth and gather all your strength to continue your journey, others where everything is perfect. It was especially important for me to set goals, day by day, to achieve my long-term goals.
“That is to say what I have to do with my body and my mind, improve my game, my physique and my mind to reach the level I want.”
Djokovic is equal fourth with Roy Emerson for most grand slams won by a man (12), trailing Roger Federer (20), Rafael Nadal (16) and Pete Sampras (14).
SOME FORM, AT LAST
Djokovic said the second half of last year was a test, but he was pleased to find some form by reaching the Internazionali d’Italia semi-finals earlier this month.
“The last six months of 2017 have been really strange for me. Do not play, watch the tournaments on TV, start training again and then feel the pain again, it was really a challenge for me. I had to accept it,” he said. “These are the situations that make you stronger. It was nice to be rewarded in Rome after everything I went through.
“In terms of quality of play, it’s certainly my best tournament in a year.”
PARIS:Novak
Serena Williams admitted her eye-catching, figure-hugging black catsuit she sported on her Roland Garros return on Tuesday was inspired by the smash hit Black Panther movie but was also intended to help women with post-natal complications. Williams defeated Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 to register her first victory at the majors since her 2017 Australian Open triumph. But as well as her performance, the 36-year-old’s black outfit was making headlines with the American insisting it was “fun as well as
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