Djokovic beats Herbert in Roland Garros first round

PARIS - Serbia's Novak Djokovic, the world number one in men's tennis singles, has got off to a successful start to his title defence at Roland Garros by defeating Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 in the opening round on Tuesday evening.

Djokovic, who won after two and a half hours of play, is now 2-0 head-to-head against Herbert.

He will next face Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, who defeated Constant Lestienne 6-3, 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 in the opening round.

Serbia's Hamad Medjedovic - a qualifier - has been knocked out of the tournament by losing 6-2, 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 6-3 to Italian Flavio Cobolli.

The prize money at Roland Garros is 53.4 mln euros.