Casper Ruud Cruises into French Open Second Round, Djokovic Eyes Turnaround

Two-time French Open finalist Casper Ruud cruised into the second round of the 2024 tournament with a straight-sets victory over Brazilian qualifier Felipe Alves. The Norwegian, who won clay-court titles in Barcelona and Geneva in the lead-up to Roland Garros, looked confident on the Paris clay, serving close to 90% first serves as he dispatched Alves in under two hours.

Ruud's victory was a continuation of his impressive form on clay this season. He has reached at least the semifinals in his last six Grand Slam events, including a runner-up finish at the 2022 French Open and a loss in the final of the 2023 US Open.

The 25-year-old Norwegian is one of the favorites to win the French Open this year, along with world number one Novak Djokovic and 14-time champion Rafael Nadal. Ruud has a 3-2 head-to-head record against Djokovic and a 1-0 record against Nadal on clay.

In the second round, Ruud will face either Monaco's Valentin Vacherot or Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Meanwhile, Djokovic began his defense of his French Open title with a straight-sets victory over French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert. The Serbian, who is seeking a fourth Roland Garros title and record-extending 25th major, is enduring his worst run since 2018.

Djokovic has not won a title in 2024 and has yet to make a final, with semi-final spots at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters his best performances. He also suffered the indignity of being accidentally hit on the head by a metal water bottle in Rome, which caused nausea and dizziness.

In Geneva last week, where he was knocked out by Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic, Djokovic said he had been suffering from a stomach problem.

"They are rather bumps on the road," said Djokovic, who watched his long-time rival and 14-time champion Rafael Nadal bow out of the tournament against Alexander Zverev on Monday.

When asked to elaborate further on his difficulties so far this season, Djokovic opted for discretion.

"Various things have been happening in the last couple of months, but I don't want to get into it. I don't want to open Pandora's Box."

On Tuesday, Djokovic will take on French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert, the world number 142 who hasn't won a match on the main tour this year.

Tags: #FrenchOpen#CasperRuud#NovakDjokovic#Tennis#GrandSlam