Novak Djokovic was delighted with the level of his game after defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic in the opening round of the Roland Garros 2023 in straight sets. The Serbian bested the American by 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1) on Court Philippe Chatrier on Monday.

In fact, the World No.2 won the first two sets comfortably and he was serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set when Kovacevic broke the Serbain’s serve.

However, a little fickle didn’t perturb Djokovic in the tiebreaker as he took it by 7-1 to book his second-round berth in the French Open 2023.

“I think I played really well and held things under control for two-and-a-half sets and then lost my serve and things got a little bit on a wrong side for me,” said Djokovic in his post-match press conference. “But, you know, I managed to hold my nerves and played pretty much a perfect tie-break.

“So overall [I am] pleased and content with my level. I can always play better, I know I can do it, but also considering the conditions, they were quite tricky today with a lot of wind. It was a good match.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic converted five of his 12 break points and struck 41 winners to Kovacevic’s 25. The 36-year-old gave credit to Kovacevic for breaking him in the third set and for showing a fighting spirit, especially in the third set.

“He played really well, and he was handling himself very good there mentally, hanging in there,” said Djokovic. “I served for the match, he broke me. I mean, credit to him for fighting spirit.”

Novak Djokovic will take on Márton Fucsovics in the second round of Roland Garros on Wednesday and he will look to continue his good form.