French Open: Novak Djokovic takes a medical timeout for a toe blister in a victory over Moutet

Novak Djokovic handled a blister on his large left toe that required a medical timeout within the third set, then was one level from being pressured to a fourth, earlier than closing out a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (1) victory over Corentin Moutet on the French Open on Thursday (Might 29, 2025).

Djokovic mentioned it took practically an hour for post-match therapy, together with draining blood from his toe, which he known as “not likely a nice course of.” However he added that he has “loads of time to recuperate and prepare” earlier than his subsequent match on Saturday and would not suppose he’ll have any bother transferring ahead.

The outcome put Djokovic within the third spherical at Roland-Garros for the file twentieth time — not even Rafael Nadal managed that.

Two extra wins, and Djokovic will get to the match’s quarterfinals for the sixteenth consecutive 12 months. In 2024, although, he withdrew earlier than enjoying in that spherical after tearing the meniscus in his proper knee throughout the fourth spherical and needing surgical procedure.

Djokovic has gained three of his males’s-record 24 Grand Slam titles in Paris.

In opposition to the left-handed Moutet, a Frenchman, Djokovic bought damaged within the opening sport at Court docket Suzanne-Lenglen, and the group roared. However quickly sufficient, Djokovic was in management. It wasn’t till 2-all within the third set that some bother arose.

Djokovic, who went on a nighttime bicycle trip within the heart of Paris on Wednesday, slid right into a forehand and held up, then hopped with all of his weight on his proper foot. He stepped gingerly to the sideline and requested a go to from a coach, who handled and taped the problematic large toe.

Quickly, Moutet was mean-mugging towards his entourage within the stands after breaking to guide 4-2 within the third. Djokovic would break proper again, however once more confronted a tough spot whereas down 6-5 and going through a set level because the locals sang Moutet’s final title.

However Moutet netted a backhand passing shot, and as soon as they bought to a tiebreaker, Djokovic was just too good.

That hasn’t been the case as usually as regular this season, which has included a pair of three-match dropping streaks for the 38-year-old from Serbia.

However Djokovic ended his newest rut by profitable his one hundredth profession title on the Geneva Open earlier than arriving at Roland-Garros.

“Earlier than final week’s match in Geneva, I did not really feel assured in my sport. But it surely’s regular to really feel that means, as a result of I hadn’t gained sufficient matches,” Djokovic mentioned. “I am like some other participant in that respect. I’ve needed to work arduous to win.”

Novak Djokovic trades his racket for a bicycle and takes a nighttime trip round Paris

Novak Djokovic traded his racket for a bicycle and swapped the French Open’s clay courts for the cobblestone streets of Paris throughout a nighttime journey across the Arc de Triomphe.

“I’ve achieved some bike rides up to now in Paris, however I haven’t achieved one shortly,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion mentioned after his second-round victory over Corentin Moutet within the match on Thursday. “Roland-Garros was sort sufficient to present me a bicycle, so I used it yesterday for the primary time.” Lower than 24 hours earlier than that match — wherein he wanted a medical timeout for therapy of a blister on his large left toe — Djokovic was noticed taking within the sights like a vacationer whereas getting some train.

Somebody filmed Djokovic and posted a brief clip on social media.

Carrying a darkish blue monitor go well with, sneakers and a correctly mounted helmet — security first! — the 38-year-old Serbian star pedaled by means of the famously hectic roundabout at one finish of the Champs-Élysées.

Not precisely essentially the most bike-friendly spot within the Metropolis of Mild, however Djokovic regarded completely relaxed.

“We had been form of making an attempt our luck a bit bit with that roundabout on the Arc de Triomphe. To be trustworthy, at one level, we had vehicles all over. It was fairly an adrenaline expertise, however I don’t suppose I’ll repeat that, particularly in that surroundings the place we had been filmed,” he mentioned. “Most likely in all different streets, it’s far more secure. However, yeah, we had been loopy sufficient to get into that roundabout. It was enjoyable however at one level but in addition a bit harmful.” Somebody known as out, “I like you!” and Djokovic responded with a smile and mentioned, “I like you, too.” He simply gained his one hundredth profession title and now his aiming for his file twenty fifth at a serious match.

“It’s nice to see Paris from the bicycle. I believe it’s simply extra enjoyable. You’re not caught in site visitors. With the automobile, at instances, it may be irritating for no matter motive,” Djokovic mentioned. “However with the bicycle, it’s simply lovely.”