How Novak Djokovic continues to 'defy time' after reaching French Open third round - 'All the questions I had, he answered today'

Boris Becker believes Novak Djokovic answered any concerns over his form at the French Open with a battling victory over Valentin Royer in the second round.

Djokovic came into the Grand Slam having played just one match on clay this season and with worries over a shoulder injury.

He was pushed to four sets in the first round by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and said it was ”just what the doctor ordered” after his lack of competitive action.

He was again tested in the second round but came through in hot conditions after three hours and 44 minutes against Royer.

US Open Mixed Doubles -

'We're chasing the title' - Sabalenka reveals 'goal' with Djokovic

Yesterday at 12:34

"Before the tournament, I was already a bit worried about my friend and whether he could maintain his form at all,” said Djokovic’s former coach Becker to TNT Sports.

”He had barely played any tournaments, barely any matches. Throughout the clay-court season, he only played one match - and even lost that in the first round in Rome. The last tournament where he looked really good was Indian Wells in March. 

”But if there’s one player who can do it at Grand Slams, it’s always Djokovic. His opponent, Royer, also played very well. They were out there for three-and-a-half hours in the heat. All the questions I had beforehand, he answered today."

Djokovic shushes crowd after saving key break point

Video credit: TNT Sports

Djokovic admitted it was ”not ideal” to spend so long on court in ”challenging conditions”, saying that he ”physically spent quite a bit of energy”.

But Becker liked what he saw from the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who next faces a blockbuster match against rising star Joao Fonseca.

”The reason he’s still playing tennis is the Grand Slams, the best-of-five matches," he explained.

”Even if you think you have a chance, you still have to go out there and play them. Of course, he has a better chance on grass than on clay, but every extra match he plays at Roland Garros is an advantage for him heading into Wimbledon." 

Djokovic looked to be heading for a comfortable win in the second round until Royer raised his level in the third set to fight back.

Djokovic, though, recovered to break in the fourth and then held serve to close out the match as Royer pushed to extend it to a decider.

”I think his level is pretty high,” said TNT Sports expert John McEnroe.

• 'Not ideal' - Djokovic regrets missed chances in win
• How shock win could set off marriage proposal

”He should have won in the third set and sort of blew that but he regrouped. Explain to me how this guy does it when he doesn’t play at all between majors?

”He comes out and it’s as if he didn’t miss a beat. I know he doesn’t care much about the other tournaments anymore but it feels like you have to play some of them, but for him he doesn’t have to…he’s defying time.”

TNT Sports expert Mats Wilander agreed that Djokovic looks in good shape despite his lack of competitive clay tennis this year.

”It doesn’t seem like he has lost a step when he is moving around. 

'Do not try that at home!' - Djokovic hits 'remarkable' round-the-net winner

Video credit: TNT Sports

”He plays maybe a bit more aggressive with the forehand and the temperature is helping his serve be a bigger weapon. I think he is playing unbelievably well. You just wonder how the recovery will be after playing a long match.”

Djokovic is the third seed in the men’s draw and could face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

Djokovic beat Sinner when they last met in the semis of the Australian Open.

---

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream every court from the 2026 French Open exclusively live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

ATP Cincinnati

'Look forward to coming back' - Djokovic confirms Cincinnati Masters 1000 participation

30/07/2026 at 14:49

US Open Mixed Doubles -

Djokovic to partner Sabalenka in US Open mixed doubles, but Alcaraz, Sinner among absentees

28/07/2026 at 18:01