Djokovic all set for prime time slot

Top seed and former champion to open campaign against American on Court-Philippe-Chatrier night session

 - rolandgarros.com

Hot on the heels of a title run on home soil, top seed Novak Djokovic makes his Roland-Garros return under lights on Tuesday.

The Serbian, a champion in Paris in 2016, will open his campaign against American Tennys Sandgren from 9pm on Court Phillipe-Chatrier.

The match, which will begin at 9pm local time, will be played behind closed doors due to the ongoing coronavirus curfew in Paris, something that is set to be lifted in time for the last of 10 night sessions, on Wednesday June 9.

“I actually have a really good record playing in night sessions in all Grand Slams where we have a night session,” Djokovic said.

“I had a great tournament last year reaching finals. Also I've had historically a lot of good results in Paris, probably one of my most consistent tournaments, always reaching quarters or semis most of my years playing in Paris.

“I have a lot to hope for, I think, judging by the results in the previous years in my career here on this court.”

Djokovic will carry a 3-0 head-to-head record into his clash with Sandgren, including wins at the US Open and Wimbledon.

“[The] win in Belgrade gave me a great preparation,” he said. “I'm in a good state of mind and body, and striking the ball well. Now it's about really just taking it step by step, being in the present moment, trying to build the form so I can play better and better as the tournament progresses.”

Novak Djokovic, Roland-Garros 2021©Loïc Wacziak / FFT