00:00Djokovic!
00:01In one of the most eagerly anticipated first-round matches, three-time champion Novak Djokovic
00:07faced Frenchman Giovanni and Pecci Perica in the opening night session.
00:11The Serb came into Paris short of match practice on clay, having played just once on the surface
00:17in 2026, losing in the second round in Rome.
00:21Could the big serving Perica take advantage?
00:36He goes for it and makes it off the line, the return was off the line and then he's able
00:42to capitalize on that short ball beautifully.
01:12He's got it.
01:15He was able to extend the rally, he wasn't doing a whole lot with it.
01:20But when the ball was there to be hit, and Pecci Perica delivered.
01:37And the sixth ace brings up two set points.
01:47Giovanni and Pecci Perica does take the opening set on the opening night here of Roland-Garros.
01:56Long way to go.
02:04Oh no!
02:10Inexplicable miss in many ways.
02:12And it's given the Serbian two set points.
02:24You live and die through every single point when you're the significant other.
02:33That's incredible, Mick.
02:35To be that cool under pressure.
02:45This time he was able to beat the bounce somewhat, Djokovic off the return.
02:51Avantage.
03:00So impressive there from Perica.
03:03I don't think even Novak Djokovic can believe his serving right now under pressure.
03:25Exploited the space, didn't he?
03:26And Pecci Perica again overcommitting somewhat, trying to get that forward into play.
03:31Yep.
03:58So impressive.
04:00His persistence pays off.
04:04It has been an uncomfortable one hour and 46 minutes.
04:09But the Serbian is back at parity.
04:23That is a slightly forlorn-looking shot.
04:26One, two, two, two.
04:42Just feel as though the longer the match goes, the more the match belongs to Novak Djokovic.
04:57And his ability to put more and more balls back into play is causing more and more frustration right now
05:04for the Frenchman.
05:05Back at the United States.
05:05Well, the prize number is more stability.
05:0845 minutes.
05:0946 minutes.
05:1145 minutes.
05:1245 minutes.
05:1345 minutes.
05:1546 minutes.
05:1646 minutes.
05:23points.
05:26A third set of Novak Djokovic. Grabbed a hold of early.
05:31He did not relents.
06:08It's perhaps not been his most enjoyable evening ever on Philippe Chatrier.
06:13It looks as though the outcome will be a familiar one.
06:32For 2 hours and 50 minutes has reached match point.
06:49A stunning end for the Serbian superstar under the lights here in Paris.
07:02Playing his 22nd consecutive Roland Garros.
07:07Novak Djokovic.
07:10He's up and running.
07:11Thank you for waiting.
07:12Doesn't he have to look at the stage?
07:12No.
07:13No.
07:14No.
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