Novak Djokovic had a scare in the opening round of the French Open that got underway on Sunday, while Alexander Zverev registered a comfortable victory in the first round.
The 39-year-old Djokovic is eyeing his 25th major title and fourth trophy at Roland Garros that would make him the first player with the most major titles in the history of the sport.
Djokovic’s last major win came at the US Open in 2023. With defending French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz ruled out due to injury, Djokovic knows this could be a huge opportunity for him.
However, things did not start easily for the Serbian star in his opening-round match against Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who had strong crowd support during the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Djokovic struggled early against Perricard’s powerful serve but eventually found a way back to win 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in just under three hours.
“The match, it was very challenging, obviously mentally,” Djokovic said after the match.
“First set, zero chance on him serving. It’s one of the most tremendous serves in terms of precision and speed that I have ever faced in my career.
“Obviously, the crowd gets into it and you feel the pressure even more. All in all, it was a good match to be part of.
“Three hours, just what the doctor ordered at age 39.”
The win was especially important for Djokovic as it was his first victory on clay in 2026 after struggling with a shoulder injury that kept him out for most of the clay season.
He will next face another French player, Valentin Royer, who beat Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien.
Meanwhile, German second seed Zverev comfortably defeated France’s Benjamin Bonzi 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
“It’s always nice to start with a straight-sets win,” Zverev said after the match.
He will next play Czech player Tomas Machac, who beat Belgium’s Zizou Bergs.
Elsewhere, Russia’s Karen Khachanov moved into the second round with a straight-sets win over French wild card Arthur Gea.
Czech youngster Jakub Mensik also cruised through after beating France’s Titouan Droguet in straight sets.
Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca impressed with a comfortable win over French qualifier Luka Pavlovic.
There was disappointment for American seventh seed Taylor Fritz, who suffered another early exit at Roland Garros after losing to compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy.
Former French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova was also knocked out by American 26th seed Hailey Baptiste. Former Grand Slam winners Emma Raducanu and Sofia Kenin also exited the tournament.
