(Tennis news) Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record breaking 23rd Grand Slam continues after he defeated Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-1) in the first round of the French Open. Meanwhile, world number 1 Carlos Alcaraz also progressed into the second round after defeating Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli 6-0 6-2 7-5. The 20 year old is already establishing himself as a worthy successor to Rafael Nadal, who misses out on the tournament due to a hip issue. 

Djokovic is only the second player in the Open Era to win 65 successive first round matches at Grand Slam events (between Roland Garros 2006 and 2023), thereby equalling Roger Federer’s record (between Wimbledon 2003 and 2021). The Serbian hasn’t dropped a set in the opening round since 2010. Djokovic also improved his record to 19-0 in the French Open first-round matches, hitting 10 aces, 41 winners overall and converted 5 of 12 break points. 

As for Alcaraz, his clash against Cobolli was largely a one sided affair until the third set when the Italian broke the world number 1 when he served for the match. However, Alcaraz brushed off the setback and will now take on Japan’s Taro Daniel in the second round. Alcaraz is the youngest Roland Garros’ top seed draw in the men’s category at the age of 20 since Bjorn Borg in 1976 when he was 19 years old. 

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