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Match Details
Fixture: (1) Novak Djokovic vs (WC) Pierre-Hugues Herbert
Date: May 28, 2024
Tournament: French Open 2024
Round: First Round (Round of 128)
Venue: Paris, France
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Clay (Outdoor)
Prize Money: £53,478,000
Live Telecast: USA - NBC, Tennis Channel, Peacock | Canada - TSN, RDS | UK - Eurosport, Discovery+ | India - Sony Ten
Novak Djokovic vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert preview
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will begin his title defense against Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round of the 2024 French Open on Tuesday.
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Djokovic has underperformed this season compared to his usual high standards. His title defense at the Australian Open concluded in the semifinals, losing to Jannik Sinner in four sets. He returned to action at the Indian Wells Masters but suffered a shock defeat to Luca Nardi in the third round.
The Serb's first tournament on clay was the Monte-Carlo Masters. He made the semifinals with wins over Roman Safiullin, Lorenzo Musetti, and Alex de Minaur, before losing to Casper Ruud. He opted to miss the Madrid Open and competed directly at the Italian Open.
Djokovic scored a routine win over Corentin Moutet, after which he was knocked out by Alejandro Tabilo. It marked his first loss before the quarterfinals in Rome. He took a wildcard to participate in last week's Geneva Open and made the last four there, where he was shown the door by Tomas Machac.
Herbert has been grinding it out on the Challenger circuit this season. He won a title earlier this year in Australia, and more recently made the final of an event in Naples, Italy.
Herbert's only main draw appearance on the ATP Tour in the past year was at the 2023 Moselle Open. He reached his first tour-level semifinal in over two years but lost to Alexander Shevchenko in straight sets.
Novak Djokovic vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert head-to-head
Djokovic leads Herbert 1-0 in the head-to-head. He won their previous encounter at the 2013 Paris Masters in three sets.
Novak Djokovic vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Novak Djokovic vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert prediction
Most players would be content with Djokovic's results this season but not him. He hasn't lived up to his expectations and will be keen to overturn a disappointing year with a good run in Paris.
The Serb is gunning for a record 25th Major title, along with a quadruple career Grand Slam. With more history on the line, he will be determined to put his best foot forward.
Herbert's first main-draw appearance at the tour level in over six months could be brief. He has a 4-16 record against top-20 players and has never won a match against them on clay. He has a 5-7 record at the French Open, which is dwarfed by Djokovic's impressive 92-16 record at the venue. Despite not being in top form, the Serb will be expected to commence his title defense with a win.
Pick: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.
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