French Open 2024: Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka return on day five

Djokovic began his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a solid 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 victory over French home hope Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

The 37-year-old has had a turbulent season so far, failing to reach a final, while his world number one ranking is under threat from Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

The Australian Open champion will move into the top spot if Djokovic is knocked out before the semi-finals.

“I felt better compared to the previous weeks. I’m moving in the right direction,” Djokovic said following Tuesday’s first-round win.

“But it’s only the beginning. It’s only one match. We have to see how I will progress in the tournament, how my feelings will evolve.”

Serbia’s Djokovic holds a 2-0 win record over Carballes Baena, who has advanced past the second round just once at a Grand Slam tournament, reaching the third round at Roland Garros in 2020.

Elsewhere in the men’s draw, German sixth seed Alexander Zverev, who defeated Rafael Nadal in the first round, takes on Belgium’s David Goffin.

Zverev, who many expect to challenge for the title, has insisted a court case over domestic abuse allegations will not distract him.

The 27-year-old has denied the charges, with a hearing set to begin on Friday in Germany.