Serbia’s Novak Djokovic gestures and celebrates after winning against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz during their men’s singles first round match on day two of The Roland Garros 2019 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on May 27, 2019. (Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP)
Novak Djokovic laid down an early marker in his bid to hold all four Grand Slam titles for the second time on Monday, powering past Polish youngster Hubert Hurkacz in the Roland Garros first round.
The 15-time major champion impressed with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 triumph and will face Swiss lucky loser Henri Laaksonen in round two.
“I was very solid. I’m happy with my game today,” said the top seed. “It’s a long tournament… But I just want to concentrate on my next match.”
A single break in the opening game of the match proved enough for Djokovic to take the first set, and the Serb raced through the second in under half an hour.
The 22-year-old Hurkacz, who has claimed three wins over top-10 players this season, had no answer to the 2016 French Open winner, as Djokovic sealed a second-round spot after another dominant set on his first match point.