Djokovic solves riddle against Mpetshi Perricard

For almost the first two hours against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday night, Novak Djokovic bent, but didn't break.

Literally.

Down a set against the big-serving Frenchman, Djokovic was increasingly frustrated. One of the best returners of serve, if not the best, in tennis history, just couldn't find the answers.

After not having a break point against Mpetshi Perricard's massive delivery in the opening set - with a break of serve by the home favorite at 5-5 helping him become the first French player to win a set against Djokovic in Paris in 14 years - Djokovic was 0-for-9 after nearly 12 completed games in the second set.

Emphasis on the nearly. After Mpetshi Perricard saved three set points in the final game with aces, he couldn't see off a fourth. Djokovic returned the serve on that key point, and won a 17-shot rally to, finally, equal the scoreboard.

From there, the flood gates opened. Back on even footing, Djokovic broke three more times to extinguish the Mpetshi Perricard threat and move safely through to round two at Roland-Garros, 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4.

The 2-hour, 47-minute win kept Djokovic's unbeaten record in the Roland-Garros first round intact. He is now 22-0 opening matches on the terre battue.

More to come...

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