Novak Djokovic vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP French Open

Prediction published on 25/05/2024, 18:00  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 25/05/2024 at 18:00 in ATP French Open Predictions

Defending champion Novak Djokovic comes into the French Open with serious worries about his form. He takes on wild card Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round of this clay court Grand Slam. Next for the winner will be a match against either Constant Lestienne or Roberto Carballes Baena, both of whom are unseeded. It's nearly the end of May and the world number one hasn't reached a final all year, let alone win a title. There's been a series of disappointing defeats for Djokovic who is only 12th in the Live ATP Race. The past week saw him accept a wild card to play in the Geneva Open. Rather than winning the title and boosting his confidence, he lost in the semi-finals to Tomas Machac. He's played Hubert once and you need a good memory to remember it. That match was in the Paris Masters and Djokovic won in straight sets 11 years ago. The pressure is on Djokovic as he needs to reach the last four to have any chance of retaining his world number one position.

Pierre-Hugues Herbert is down at 142nd in the live rankings and 104th in the ATP Race. He's not had a great deal of success in the singles ranks but has won several men's doubles titles including two at Roland Garros. In the men's singles at Roland Garros, his best performance has been reaching the third round in 2018. His first ever Grand Slam was played 13 years ago and never has he got to the fourth round of one. His form on the ATP Tour this year has been poor and he lost in the first qualifying round in his latest tournament in Lyon. Djokovic can win this in straight sets but tougher assignments await him in Paris.