Novak Djokovic v Pierre-Hugues Herbert | French Open 2024 preview, betting tips and H2H

Update: This is a 2024 French Open archive article. For the 2026 edition, see our Roland Garros 2026 hub and betting tips.

Novak Djokovic launches his French Open title defence against local wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the opening round at Roland Garros.

The Serb is seeking a fourth triumph in the season’s second major and, more importantly, what would be a record-breaking 25th grand slam singles triumph.

Although, Djokovic will not exactly be brimming with confidence ahead of his 20th main-draw appearance at the French Open.

Indeed the 36-year-old, who also triumphed here in 2016 and 2021, is yet to land his first silverware of the season, falling at the semi-final hurdle in Melbourne, Monte-Carlo and most recently in Geneva.

The first obstacle he must overcome is world number 143 Herbert, who is back at Roland Garros for an eighth appearance for the first time since 2021.

The 33-year-old also has experience of going all the way at this event, winning the men’s doubles twice alongside Nicolas Mahut as part of a career grand slam.

A Challenger Tour winner in Quimper and runner-up in Naples this term, he will try to savour every moment against Djokovic on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Novak Djokovic v Pierre-Hugues Herbert prediction

Djokovic has never lost in the opening round at Roland Garros and, despite his recent struggles, you would not expect him to buck the trend here.

The Serb needs to build momentum and will be eager to make a statement of intent in the earlier rounds.

With that – and Herbert’s general lack of match experience at ATP level in recent times – it is hard to see any other outcome than a straightforward victory for the top seed.

Novak Djokovic v Pierre-Hugues Herbert betting tip

Novak Djokovic to win 3-0 @ 4/9 with Bet365

Novak Djokovic v Pierre-Hugues Herbert match odds

18+ | Please Gamble Responsibly | All odds correct at time of publication

How to watch Djokovic v Herbert live online

All matches from the 2024 French Open are available to watch live via the Bet365 live streaming service.

To access live streaming of tennis, simply:

1. Go to Bet365.com via this special link
2. Register an account, make a first deposit and bet £10 to receive £30 in Bet Credits*
3. Once registered, go to the sports homepage and select ‘Tennis’ from the left-hand menu
4. Select the play icon next to the match in progress and the stream window will appear

*18+ only. New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. Registration required. BeGambleAware.org. *or currency equivalent

Novak Djokovic v Pierre-Hugues Herbert head-to-head

This will be only the second meeting between the players on the ATP Tour.

Their sole previous encounter came over a decade ago, with Djokovic prevailing 7-6(3), 6-3 in the last 32 at 2013 ATP Masters in Paris.