Novak Djokovic weathered a spirited challenge from Frenchman Valentin Royer to book his place in the third round of Roland Garros with a hard-fought 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(9), 6-3 victory on Wednesday in Paris.
The three-time French Open champion looked in complete control for large stretches on Court Philippe-Chatrier, dictating rallies with his trademark precision and movement.
Yet Royer, backed by a loud home crowd, refused to fade quietly and produced a fearless response in the third set to push the contest deeper than expected.
Djokovic held a match point in the third-set tie-break but failed to convert, allowing the 24-year-old Frenchman to steal the set and ignite the crowd.
For a brief period, momentum shifted as Royer matched the Serbian shot for shot in the blazing Paris heat.
But champions rarely panic. Djokovic reset quickly in the fourth set, tightening his service games and breaking decisively midway through the set before calmly serving out the match after three hours and 28 minutes.
The Serbian star, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, admitted the conditions made the battle physically demanding but praised Royer’s resilience and composure throughout the encounter.
Djokovic will next face rising Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca in what promises to be one of the most anticipated third-round clashes of the tournament.
Elsewhere, Casper Ruud and Tommy Paul advanced comfortably and are set to meet in the next round.