Novak Djokovic says he doesn’t want to get ‘too excited’ after French Open first-round win

Novak Djokovic secured a comfortable win over wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round of the French Open on Tuesday, but the world No.1 said he isn’t going to “get too excited” by the victory after experiencing a dip in form this season.

Novak Djokovic secured a comfortable win over wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round of the French Open on Tuesday, but the world No.1 said he isn’t going to “get too excited” by the victory after experiencing a dip in form this season. The Serbian, who has yet to win a trophy in 2024, had struggled with a stomach issue as he lost in three sets 6-4 0-6 6-1 to world No. 44 Tomas Machac in the Geneva Open semifinals last week. “Monte-Carlo, Rome and Geneva tournaments started really well for me. First matches I played were great. Then second matches, third matches were quite different. So I don’t want to get too excited,” said Djokovic after his 6-4 7-6 6-4 victory over Herbert. “I thought it was a good performance for me, solid. Of course I could have done better, I think, on return games, but also credit to him for serving very well, for changing things up.” “I was fist pumping, I was focused, I was there, I was present,” added Djokovic. “So I’m pleased with the way at least I behaved or had a mindset on the court. That was something that I was looking for. And where are you going to feel that way if not in grand slams?” Despite winning in straight sets, Djokovic admitted he’d been troubled by Herbert’s serve.