French Open Results: Novak Djokovic Reflects On Strategy After First-Round Win

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic started his French Open campaign with a three-set victory against Mikael Ymer, 6-0, 6-2, 6-3. The Serbian superstar said after the match that he relied too much on his drop shots.

“I think it's a great variety shot, the drop shot. I think it's important tactically to have it and to use it at the right time so that you can keep your opponent always guessing what the next shot is,” Djokovic said, ATP Tour reported.

The drop shot is often used to deceive one’s opponent by abruptly changing the pace of a rally. If used too often, other players can easily predict the shot and take advantage of initiating a strong attack toward the net.

“I may have played too many today, I agree,” Djokovic added. “Maybe I exceeded what I should have played. But I think it worked well in the moments when I needed to get the point I did. And I thought that I kept my opponent today on the back foot constantly, because I felt comfortable to hit really any shot, being aggressive or coming to the net or mixing it up.”

He remains to be one of the strong candidates to win the French Open even after a disastrous end to his U.S. Open stint. Djokovic is still in top condition as he shared that the environment in this year’s tournament favors his style of play.

“Obviously these conditions are different than what we are used to here at Roland Garros… I think it's quite suitable to my style of the game,” Djokovic added.

“I actually enjoyed myself on the court today,” he continued.

The 33-year-old is looking to add another Grand Slam to his already illustrious career. With 17 majors under his belt, Djokovic still serves as a threat to clay-court specialists Dominic Thiem and Rafael Nadal.

“I think I played really well. A few hiccups here and there, but I think generally the game is there. I'm ready physically, mentally, emotionally to go deep in the tournament. Hopefully, I can have another successful year here in Paris,” Djokovic concluded.

Djokovic’s next match will be against Lithuanian player Ricardas Berankis.