Beating Federer’s record…Djokovic makes history at Roland Garros

In his historic 82nd Grand Slam appearance, surpassing the record of 81 shared by Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic staged a thrilling comeback against France’s Mibechy Pericard, beating him 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the French Open.

Terrible transfers

Djokovic’s opening in Paris was far from easy as Pericard’s fearsome 230km/h serves were a nightmare for the Serb in the first set.

With everything heading to a tiebreak, the Frenchman managed to hit a breakaway to break Djokovic’s serve in the twelfth game to take the set.

Resilience and legendary returns

Noli remained calm despite missing 9 chances to break the Frenchman’s serve, but finally managed to level the set at the tenth attempt.

After Perekar suffered a muscle spasm in his right hand that left him almost unable to hold the racket, the third set turned into a victory for Djokovic with two straight breaks.

Victory #103 on Parisian soil

Despite Perekar’s attempt to come back in the fourth set, Djokovic settled the matter with a decisive break of serve to record his 103rd career clay-court victory and extend his Grand Slam first-round record to 80-2, a new record to add to his long list of records that have been discredited.