Everything flowed in the same direction at Chatrie, it could not be otherwise. Novak Djokovic had everything: higher capital, experience, audience and the absence of Rafa’s “shadow” in the Roland Garros complex.

Novak Djokovic in the second round of Roland Garros: 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 with Alexander Kovacevich

The 2023 Paris Grand Prix is ​​special – there is no absolute record holder. With Rafael Nadal (14 titles) out through injury, suddenly many contenders (higher or lower) have the prospect of winning the trophy on Sunday.

Having made his debut in such a big arena, Aleksandar Kovačević did not disappoint and should take this match as a model for his career.

He had guts, opened the court as much as he could with a one-handed backhand, tried to cause trouble for Nole, and succeeded several times.

The 24-year-old American (born in New York), who is ranked 114th in the world, drew cheers from a nearly full Chatrier who wanted the match to go longer.

Oleksandr Kovacevich’s one-handed lapel (plus a hat worn backwards) brought to mind a classic tennis player who had been retired for several years: Tommy Haas (a contemporary of the great Federer).

Speaking of one-handed backhands, Nole has had a few bad spells with this type of execution over time, with Roger Federer “tormenting” him early in his career, and Stan (The Man) later along the way. ) Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem (who beat the Serb in the semifinals right here on Chatrier).

That wasn’t the case on Monday, when the American executed executions that accounted for the artistic impression, but there was never a real sense that the third favorite was in the slightest bit of danger.

Aleksandar “twisted” Nole on the way to the locker room (he broke when the Serb served for the match at 5-4), but in the end only delayed the interviews that Djokovic will have to conduct after the match (final score: 6-,3 6 -2, 7-6(1), after two hours and 27 minutes).

Joker enjoyed the sun, “bathed” with the public, and the match successfully introduced him to the tournament, which he so wants to win (especially when the “host” is not at home).

>> Sorana Kirstea will make her Roland Garros debut on Tuesday

>> Roland Garros: Toni Nadal’s student was defeated in three sets by the track veteran

>> Irina Begu’s opponent and the terrible news received before Roland Garros

>> Roland Garros: Ana Bohdan dramatically eliminated in the first round