• French Open, Day Three: What They Said

What They Said: Rain a pain for players

David Goffin was praised by Novak Djokovic after their match © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Features: Completing career slam drives Djokovic on
  

Novak Djokovic won his opening match in straight sets on Tuesday, but knew he had been in a real battle with David Goffin - who he applauded off court after completing an evening triumph. The Serbian admitted the day's many rain delays had affected him.

"I warmed up five or six times because of the rain, then you have to adjust your tactics because of the damp conditions," said Djokovic. "You need to step into the court and hit the ball.

"He [Goffin] did really well, played some nice tennis. It was tough, I had to fight but I played my best tennis when I had to."

Bernard Tomic retired hurt from his first round match, before talking briefly about his father - who is facing criminal charges in Spain after an altercation with one of his son's training partners.

"My dad is in Paris, he's still my dad and he will remain my coach. I love him a lot," he said.

Grigor Dimitrov is still on course for a third round meeting with Djokovic, after his opponent retired hurt on Tuesday. He said: "These are the kind of matches I always want to play in. I feel good on the big courts and playing against good players."

The day's schedule of play was savaged by rain, but Sam Stosur was one of the few women to get her first round matches completed. She beat Kimiko Date-Krumm to reach the second round.

"I was happy to get out there and start," she said. "It was spitting a little bit when we went out there. You think, 'Oh, are we going to start or are we not?' Lucky for me I was able to finish the match before this last downpour came."

She added: "The first hurdle is done, but there are many, many more ahead of me," she said. "I have to stay on track, but I think this was a very good start."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.