Djokovic starts well, Medvedev leaves Roland Garros early

(Dan Tri) - Novak Djokovic had a smooth start when he defeated Mackenzie McDonald in three sets to continue his winning streak in the first round of Roland Garros. Daniil Medvedev was surprisingly eliminated after the first round.

The three-time Roland Garros champion kicked off his 2025 campaign on Sunday evening with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over Mackenzie McDonald. Djokovic was playing just three days after winning his 100th title at the Gonet Geneva Open. The Serb was solid in every aspect of his game in a superb performance that lasted 1 hour and 58 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.

With his win over McDonald, Djokovic improved to 20-0 in first-round matches at Roland Garros. The 38-year-old has not dropped a set in his opening match in Paris since he needed four sets to overcome Evgeny Korolev in 2010.

Djokovic had an easy win in the first round at Roland Garros (Photo: Getty).

“I try to enjoy every moment on this very special and beautiful court. I feel good, the feeling here is better than when I am reliving the memories of the Olympics last year, the last time I played on this court. It is a beautiful feeling. It was a solid match. I know that he can play at a better level today, but I am very happy with what I showed,” Djokovic said in French in his on-court interview.

Djokovic and McDonald began their match as strong winds blew across Court Philippe Chatrier, and the roof was finally closed early in the second set as rain also began to fall. By that time, Djokovic had established a commanding lead after winning six of seven games from 2-2 in the first set.

While McDonald fought hard and earned the only break to close the gap to 3-5 in the second set, the American still couldn't keep up with his opponent's strong and consistent play. Djokovic quickly broke serve in the next game to win the second set, and then easily cruised through the third to complete the victory, converting five of the nine break points in the match.

Djokovic reached the quarter-finals of Roland Garros last year before withdrawing with a knee injury. He returned to the venue a few months later to win the Olympic gold medal, and will next face either Corentin Moutet or Clement Tabur in the second round.

“Historical milestones in this sport have given me everything in life, it means a lot to me. I always try to make history wherever I can. In all the tournaments I play, all the training sessions, all the matches, and especially in the biggest tournaments in the world. Having the opportunity to make more historical milestones, and that is one of my biggest motivations for the competitions, to keep working and improving myself,” said Djokovic. The Serbian is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Medvedev failed early at Roland Garros 2025 (Photo: Getty).

Daniil Medvedev fell at the first hurdle at Roland Garros 2025 as he lost in a five-set match against Cameron Norrie and the result could benefit Novak Djokovic.

Norrie, a former world No. 8 currently ranked 81, defeated Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, 7-5 on Simonne Mathieu Court on the evening of May 27. The 11th seed Medvedev had almost completed a dramatic comeback when he led 5-3 in the fifth set, but he failed to serve out the match at 5-4 as Norrie won the final four games to seal the sweet victory.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/djokovic-khoi-dau-thuan-loi-medvedev-som-chia-tay-roland-garros-20250528084840773.htm