Djokovic was booed by the French Open crowd during a second-round match against Valentin Royer. He repeatedly showed displeasure with the noise during points and between serves. After saving a crucial break point in the fourth set, he gestured toward the home fans, which led to loud jeers. Djokovic also struggled with the afternoon heat on Court Philippe Chatrier but continued to compete. He won 6-3 6-2 6-7 (7) 6-3 after three hours and 44 minutes. He described the conditions as difficult and said he was at fault for being twice a break down in the third set. He noted that he was too passive at a match point in the tie-break, allowing Royer to take advantage. Djokovic had also won his first-round match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, extending a streak of consecutive wins over French players.
"Djokovic was booed by the French Open crowd during a gruelling second-round win over Valentin Royer. The third seed repeatedly expressed displeasure with the crowd making noise during points and in between serves. When he saved a break point at a crucial moment in the fourth set, Djokovic put his finger to his lips in the direction of the home fans, earning loud jeers."
"The 39-year-old also clearly did not enjoy playing in the heat of the afternoon on Court Philippe Chatrier, but he lived to fight another day after winning 6-3 6-2 6-7 (7) 6-3 in three hours and 44 minutes. "It's a very important victory," said Djokovic. "The conditions are difficult for players. I had chances in the third set and it was my fault because I was twice a break up.""
""When I had a match point in the tie-break I was too passive and he took advantage. It's very, very hot, but I'm happy to get through." Djokovic claimed a 30th consecutive win against French players when he defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in round one, also dropping a set. He turned that contest around after a tricky start and initially had few problems against Royer as he sought to reach the third round here for a 21st consecutive year."
"Djokovic twice led by a break in the third set but both times Royer, ranked 74 and bidding for a first top-10 win, pegged him back straight away before delighting the home fans by saving a match point and winning the tie-break. One break in the fourth set ultimately proved enough for Djokovic, although not before Royer had saved three more match points, one with a brilliant half-volley."
Read at Irish Independent
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