Djokovic Defeats Royer in Four Sets at French Open

Novak Djokovic defeated 74th-ranked Valentin Royer 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7), 6-3 on Wednesday to advance to the third round of the French Open. The match lasted three hours and 44 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Temperatures rose above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the fourth consecutive day of the tournament.

Djokovic, 39, placed ice packs on his neck and head during changeovers. He also expressed frustration with crowd noise during points and between serves.

Djokovic held a two-break lead in the third set but lost the tiebreaker after missing a backhand long. He needed four match points in the final service game before Royer hit a forehand into the net. After the victory, Djokovic performed his violin celebration and nearly stumbled on the clay.

He improved to 14-0 against French players at Roland Garros and reached the third round for the 21st consecutive year. Djokovic said the match was difficult. He noted that experience helped him and called the win important given the conditions. Djokovic's next opponent will be either 19-year-old Joao Fonseca or 20-year-old Dino Prizmic, depending on the outcome of their match.