Djokovic: "The atmosphere was great, it's a pleasure to be back on this court where I've fought so many great battles"

Novak Djokovic didn't play his best tennis, but he didn't play a bad match either, raising his game when he needed to, to defeat Pierre-Hugues Herbert. The world No.1 was delighted to have won in 3 sets (6-4, 7-6, 6-4), and also very happy to be back on Court Philippe Chatrier, where he won the title last year. This is what he told Fabrice Santoro after the match.

Novak Djokovic: "The stadium was full, the atmosphere was great. I was playing against a French player, so it's normal that he had the support of the crowd. But after 12 months, it's a real pleasure to be back here. This court is very special for me and for my career. Lots of great battles, great matches.

Last year I managed to win the cup. I know that winning the French Open is perhaps the greatest challenge of my career. To get there, it's a big mountain to climb every day.

Playing here in the evening is a bit special. The conditions are different. It's a long day waiting for your match, but when you finally get on court, it's really something special. Thanks for the atmosphere.

The only thing I can control is my concentration. After that, I think Pierre-Hugues served very well, with high quality. In the 2nd and 3rd sets I was in a complicated situation because I couldn't find the right position to return his serve.

It was important to stay focused, because if he'd won the 2nd set (in the tie-break), the match would have been different. Different in the game, different for the public and for the atmosphere. So yes, it was important to win the tie-break. At that moment, I was really present and I played my best tennis. That's what mattered most."