Djokovic satisfied with Roland Garros start
World number one Novak Djokovic says he will try to use high expectations to inspire him in his quest for a first French Open title.
Novak Djokovic was content with his first-round performance against Lu Yen-hsun as he targets a first French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam.
The world number one needed only 90 minutes to see off the unfancied Lu 6-4 6-1 6-1 at Roland Garros on Tuesday to set up a second-round meeting with Belgian Steve Darcis.
Djokovic is a strong favourite to claim an elusive victory on the clay in Paris and the eleven-time slam winner claimed he is accustomed to dealing with such high expectations after breezing past Lu.
He said: "Second and third set were really good. I thought I found my rhythm. First set, you know, was up and down. But I'll take the positives out of it, and I'm hoping I can progress as the tournament goes on."
Djokovic added: "It's not the first time this year that I'm experiencing such anticipation and expectations.
"As a matter of fact, I think it's been now three years in a row that [it] is [a] very similar situation where I'm approaching this tournament as one of the favourites and, obviously, people wonder if this is the year or not, and I wonder myself.
"So of course it is a particular sensation approaching this tournament. It's quite different than others. But it does depend on me, how I'm going to use this emotion.
"I will try to use it as a motivation to inspire myself, to play well, to stay calm and focus only on the present moment.
"Whether or not I'm going to have a chance to fight for a trophy, that's in [the] almighty's hands, I can't influence that, but I can certainly give my best and give my all, as always."