Djokovic Dismisses Hurkacz, Begins Pursuit Of 'Nole Slam' At Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a second ‘Nole Slam’ is comfortably underway.

The World No. 1, who is trying to win his fourth consecutive Grand Slam title, defeated 2018 Next Gen ATP Finals qualifier Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 on Monday to reach the second round at Roland Garros. It is the Serbian’s 22nd straight victory at a major, breaking serve six times to advance after one hour and 36 minutes.

In the coming fortnight, Djokovic will try to join Rod Laver as the only men to hold all four Grand Slam trophies at the same time twice. Djokovic first accomplished the feat from 2015 Wimbledon through 2016 Roland Garros. Laver, however, won all four majors in 1962 and 1969.

On paper, Djokovic faced a tricky test against the fast-rising Hurkacz. This time last year, the Pole was No. 188 in the ATP Rankings. But Hurkacz reached the second round on the Parisian terre battue as a qualifier, and has been on the ascent ever since, currently World No. 44 with three Top 10 victories this season.

But Djokovic did not allow the 22-year-old to dig his teeth into the match, breaking Hurkacz in the first game and never looking back. The Serbian did especially well to neutralise Hurkacz's strong serve, so the Pole could not gain confidence from short balls early in rallies. Djokovic also cruised on serve, winning 72 per cent of his second-serve points and holding to love six times.

In the second round, Djokovic will face Swiss Henri Laaksonen, who took full advantage of his lucky loser spot by beating Spanish qualifier Pedro Martinex 6-1, 6-0, 7-6(4) in two hours and five minutes. The World No. 104 holds an 0-4 record against Top 10 opponents, but he will try to reach the second round of a major for the first time.

Did You Know?
Djokovic has not lost his first-round match at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open (l. to Paul Goldstein). He is now 55-2 in major openers.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour http://bit.ly/2EyMrCY