Djokovic Advances to Second Round of French Open, Chasing 25th Grand Slam

(CNA, Paris, May 24) Serbian star Novak Djokovic staged a comeback in the first round of the French Open men's singles today. After losing the first set, he won three consecutive sets, taking nearly three hours to defeat local player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, continuing his pursuit of a 25th career Grand Slam singles title. The 39-year-old Djokovic took a total of 2 hours and 51 minutes to eliminate the 22-year-old Frenchman, winning 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4. After the match, Djokovic praised Perricard, saying, "His serve was almost impossible to see... I have only seen such serves once or twice in my professional career." After a tough battle, Djokovic advanced to the second round, where he will face another French player, Valentin Royer. Djokovic is currently tied with Australian legend Margaret Court for the record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. If he lifts the French Open trophy for the fourth time, he will hold the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in history.