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

The Hindu

a day ago

Novak Djokovic dealt with a blister on his big left toe that required a medical timeout in the third set, then was one point from being forced to a fourth, before closing out a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (1) victory over Corentin Moutet at the French Open on Thursday (May 29, 2025).
Djokovic said it took nearly an hour for post-match treatment, including draining blood from his toe, which he called 'not really a pleasant process.' But he added that he has 'plenty of time to recover and get ready' before his next match on Saturday and doesn't think he'll have any trouble moving forward.
The result put Djokovic in the third round at Roland-Garros for the record 20th time — not even Rafael Nadal managed that.
Two more wins, and Djokovic will get to the tournament's quarterfinals for the 16th consecutive year. In 2024, though, he withdrew before playing in that round after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during the fourth round and needing surgery.
Djokovic has won three of his men's-record 24 Grand Slam titles in Paris.
Against the left-handed Moutet, a Frenchman, Djokovic got broken in the opening game at Court Suzanne-Lenglen, and the crowd roared. But soon enough, Djokovic was in control. It wasn't until 2-all in the third set that some trouble arose.
Djokovic, who went on a nighttime bicycle ride in the center of Paris on Wednesday, slid into a forehand and held up, then hopped with all of his weight on his right foot. He stepped gingerly to the sideline and requested a visit from a trainer, who treated and taped the problematic big toe.
Soon, Moutet was mean-mugging toward his entourage in the stands after breaking to lead 4-2 in the third. Djokovic would break right back, but again faced a difficult spot while down 6-5 and facing a set point as the locals sang Moutet's last name.
But Moutet netted a backhand passing shot, and once they got to a tiebreaker, Djokovic was simply too good.
That hasn't been the case as often as usual this season, which has included a pair of three-match losing streaks for the 38-year-old from Serbia.
But Djokovic ended his latest rut by winning his 100th career title at the Geneva Open before arriving at Roland-Garros.
'Before last week's tournament in Geneva, I didn't feel confident in my game. But it's normal to feel that way, because I hadn't won enough matches,' Djokovic said. 'I'm like any other player in that respect. I've had to work hard to win.'
Novak Djokovic trades his racket for a bicycle and takes a nighttime ride around Paris
Novak Djokovic traded his racket for a bicycle and swapped the French Open's clay courts for the cobblestone streets of Paris during a nighttime trip around the Arc de Triomphe.
'I have done some bike rides in the past in Paris, but I haven't done one in a while,' the 24-time Grand Slam champion said after his second-round victory over Corentin Moutet in the tournament on Thursday. 'Roland-Garros was kind enough to gift me a bicycle, so I used it yesterday for the first time.' Less than 24 hours before that match — in which he needed a medical timeout for treatment of a blister on his big left toe — Djokovic was spotted taking in the sights like a tourist while getting some exercise.
Someone filmed Djokovic and posted a short clip on social media.
Wearing a dark blue track suit, sneakers and a properly fastened helmet — safety first! — the 38-year-old Serbian star pedaled through the famously hectic roundabout at one end of the Champs-Élysées.
Not exactly the most bike-friendly spot in the City of Light, but Djokovic looked perfectly at ease.
'We were kind of trying our luck a little bit with that roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe. To be honest, at one point, we had cars all over the place. It was quite an adrenaline experience, but I don't think I will repeat that, especially in that environment where we were filmed,' he said. 'Probably in all other streets, it's much more safe. But, yeah, we were crazy enough to get into that roundabout. It was fun but at one point but also a bit dangerous.' Someone called out, 'I love you!' and Djokovic responded with a grin and said, 'I love you, too.' He just won his 100th career title and now his aiming for his record 25th at a major tournament.
'It's great to see Paris from the bicycle. I think it's just more fun. You're not stuck in traffic. With the car, at times, it can be frustrating for whatever reason,' Djokovic said. 'But with the bicycle, it's just beautiful.'