Novak Djokovic kept his title defence and quest for a record-tying 21st Grand Slam on track with a comfortable 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(4) win against Slovakia’s Alex Molcan in the second round of the French Open on Wednesday (May 25).
With Djokovic unable to defend his Australian Open title owing to his reluctance to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Rafa Nadal of Spain broke a three-way tie with Djokovic and Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam championships by winning the Melbourne Park major at the start of the year.
However, a successful replay of Djokovic’s 2021 Roland Garros campaign, in which he defeated 13-time French Open champion, Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals, would propel him beside his great opponent.
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The 35-year-old Djokovic strolled through the first two sets on a windy day on Court Suzanne Lenglen, breaking Molcan’s serve three times without allowing the Slovakian a single chance on his delivery.
Molcan, 24, was ranked 255th when he lost in straight sets to Djokovic in their only previous match in Belgrade, but he has since advanced to a career-high ranking of 38th. Molcan is mentored by Djokovic’s former long-time coach Marian Vajda.
Molcan loosened up his shoulders in the third set with nothing to lose, and with some aggressive all-court hitting, he could balance out Djokovic’s early lead and force a tiebreak.
However, Djokovic managed to shift gears and score his second match point when he hit the back of the net with a return.
On the court, he stated, “It was a challenging match with a lot of gusts, changing direction.” “You must be completely concentrated.” Alex is someone I admire much. He’s got a game designed just for this terrain. I hope this is the last time I play against Marian Vajda as my opponent’s coach.”
For a spot in the fourth round, the top seed will face Slovenia’s former world number 43, Aljaz Bedene.
