Nadal, Djokovic easily won first round Roland Garros

For the second time in my career, Nadal outside of the top four seeds in Roland Garros. But his first-round performance against Thompson showed he was still a top contender for the title. “King of clay” seven times won the serve game of opponent number 82 in the world, scored 27 winners and lost only six games in the whole match.

Thompson’s strong hitting and good movement was not shown against too strong an opponent. The Australian player only won the game to catch the ball once, before losing quickly after three sets. Nadal hasn’t been at his best yet, but shows no effect from injuries to his feet or ribs that keep him without a clay title before Roland Garros this year. With just one more win, Nadal will join the group of three players who have hit 300 wins on ATP, which includes Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Nadal’s next opponent is Corentin Moutet – who just defeated Stan Wawrinka in four sets.

Djokovic, who had just celebrated his 35th birthday a day earlier, lost just four games in his first round match against world number 99 opponent Nishioka. Nole had a rough start, having to save three break-points in the opening game, but dominated the game after the Philippe Chatrier main field canopy closed. In the last two sets, he won all the serve games of his Japanese opponent.

“It took me time to catch up with the match, because the opponent moved very quickly,” said Djokovic after the match. “The ball bounced slowly and it was very difficult to beat him. The first set was difficult but the next two sets I served and attacked the back of the field better.”

Djokovic won 13 consecutive sets, connecting from the Rome Masters. He has won 18 matches in the first round of Roland Garros, of which he has not lost a set since 2010. Nole’s second round opponents are Federico Coria or Alex Molcan. Molcan is being coached by Marian Vajda, who has been with Djokovic for more than 15 years in his career.

Nhan Dat