The first two challenges Novak Djokovic faced at the 2025 French Open have been successfully overcome. This is no small feat, considering that earlier this year he struggled in matches that initially looked routine for a player of his caliber. On Thursday, the Serbian star beat Corentin Moutet and followed it up with an honest message.
“Atmosphere was electric, especially in that third set,” Djokovic explained, according to Tennis.com, in the press conference after his 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 victory over Moutet. “He was close to win it, so the crowd got involved. And it was, yeah, not much fun for me. Of course it’s never easy, but I try to stay calm and do what I need to do, and I think I have done that in a really good way.”
Novak had spoken before the match about how the crowd could play a role when facing a French player. Nevertheless, he managed to rise above the challenge and earn a convincing win, still yet to drop a set in the tournament.
“Corentin is a player who has great speed, it was a great battle, especially the third set. I saved a set point… At that moment, anything is possible,” analyzed the former World No. 1. “Mentally I had to stay concentrated and prepared for a match like that.”
Djokovic’s rival in the round of 32 of the French Open, Corentin Moutet
And specifically about his performance, Djokovic explained: “I found a shot to stay in the set, a good service. I think in general I played well, I managed to stay calm on court, which wasn’t easy at times… I ended out the match well, moving well, playing a great tiebreak.”
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Djokovic reflects on Roland Garros’ crowd
As one of tennis’ biggest stars over the last 15 years, Novak Djokovic is used to playing on the biggest stages at every tournament. However, this time he didn’t face Corentin Moutet on Court Philippe Chatrier — and he addressed that afterward.
“Look, I haven’t played in Suzanne Lenglen too many times in the last whatever years, so it was good to experience this,” he said. “I always felt like in the past that Suzanne Lenglen get very loud. I think also because the fact that you’re experiencing the match from up close gets you involved even more. I feel like there is even more, I guess, younger people, more children. That’s what I noticed. You know, so it was fun.”
What’s next for Djokovic?
After defeating Moutet, Djokovic secured his place in the round of 32 at Roland Garros. There, he will face World No. 153 Filip Misolic, who beat Denis Shapovalov in the previous round. The winner of Saturday’s match will meet either Jacob Fearnley or Cameron Norrie in the round of 16.
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