DJOKOVIC BEATS STARACE TO OPEN CAMPAIGN; ISNER FIRES INTO SECOND ROUND

Written by: Staff on 28th May 2012

DJOKOVIC BEATS STARACE TO OPEN CAMPAIGN; ISNER FIRES INTO SECOND ROUND

epa03239727 Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns to Potito Starace of Italy during their first round match for the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 28 May 2012. EPA/YOAN VALAT |

(Original Story: http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/05/22/Roland-Garros-Monday-Djokovic-Isner-Win-Openers.aspx)

Top seed Novak Djokovic opened his campaign Monday for a first Roland Garros title, which would complete his collection of Grand Slam championship trophies.

Djokovic, who has won the past three major championships and five overall, beat Potito Starace of Italy 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-1 on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Djokovic converted four of his 15 break point opportunities and committed 19 unforced errors to set up a second-round meeting against Slovenian Blaz Kavcic. It was the Serbian’s 31st match win of the season (31-5 overall).

The 25 year old is bidding to become the first man since Jim Courier in 1992 to win back-to-back major titles at the Australian Open and Roland Garros.

American John Isner, making his fourth appearance, didn’t suffer the same fate as his compatriot Andy Roddick, when the 10th seed advanced to the second round with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over Brazilian qualifier Rogerio Dutra Silva. Isner improved to 10-4 on clay this year after hitting 18 aces and winning 17 of his 19 points at the net.

Topics: 10sballs.com, French Open 2012, Novak Djokovic, Potito Starace, Roland Garros, Serbian tennis news, Sports