Djokovic Sets Grand Slam Record with French Open First-Round Win
Novak Djokovic defeated French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros. The 39-year-old Serb overcame a slow start and a powerful serve from his opponent to advance. The victory marked his record-breaking 82nd Grand Slam singles appearance, surpassing Roger Federer and Feliciano López. Djokovic, a three-time French Open champion, will next face Valentin Royer.
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Novak Djokovic Advances to Roland Garros Third Round Despite Extreme Heat
Novak Djokovic defeated French wildcard Valentin Royer 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(7), 6-3 in a grueling second-round match at the 2026 French Open, played in extreme heat described as a 'cauldron of heat' by Hall of Famer Jim Courier. The 39-year-old Serbian, seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, needed 3 hours and 43 minutes to overcome the 24-year-old opponent. Djokovic squandered a match point in the third-set tiebreak and faced stiff resistance from the crowd-backed Frenchman. He hit 46 winners and won 78% of first-serve points, improving to 14-0 against Frenchmen at Roland Garros. Djokovic produced a highlight-reel forehand winner around the net post in the fourth set. He will face either Dino Prizmic or Joao Fonseca in the third round. Analysts noted Djokovic must be nearly flawless to contend with top seeds later in the tournament.
Forbes - BusinessDjokovic Wins and Dances in Record 82nd Grand Slam Appearance at French Open
Novak Djokovic, playing two days after his 39th birthday, defeated Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the French Open. The match marked Djokovic's 82nd Grand Slam singles appearance, setting a new record for longevity at the highest level of tennis. After converting match point, Djokovic celebrated with a dance that delighted the crowd. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who has never lost in the first round at Roland Garros, initially struggled against Mpetshi Perricard's powerful serving and forehand but took control from the end of the second set as his opponent's error rate increased. Djokovic commented that his body feels good but he still needs to get his game under control.
Aktuell - FAZ.NETDjokovic Wins French Opener, Sets Grand Slam Appearance Record
Novak Djokovic defeated French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the French Open in Paris. The victory marked Djokovic's 82nd Grand Slam singles appearance, setting a new record for most Grand Slam main draw appearances. The 39-year-old Serb, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, struggled early against the powerful serving of Mpetshi Perricard but took control from the end of the second set. After converting match point, Djokovic celebrated with a dance performance that delighted the crowd. The tournament praised his 'unparalleled longevity on the highest stage.' Djokovic has never lost in the first round at Roland Garros.
Nachrichten - WELTDjokovic Overcomes Rusty Start to Beat Mpetshi Perricard at French Open
Novak Djokovic, the three-time French Open champion, showed signs of rust in his first-round match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at Roland Garros. After losing the opening set, Djokovic fought back to win 3-1, overcoming the Frenchman's powerful serve and forehand. Mpetshi Perricard, who broke the tournament speed record at Wimbledon, won 82% of points behind his first serve and hit 38 winners in the first two sets. Djokovic, visibly frustrated early, regained composure in the third and fourth sets, breaking serve multiple times and engaging the crowd. Annabel Croft praised Djokovic's attitude and embrace of the challenge. In other matches, American Taylor Fritz (7th seed) lost to compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy, while Alexander Zverev won his opener in straight sets.
BBC SportRusty Djokovic Through to French Open Second Round on Grand Slam Return
Novak Djokovic, the former world No. 1 and three-time French Open champion, advanced to the second round of the 2026 French Open with a 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Making a record 82nd Grand Slam appearance, Djokovic overcame a slow start and a first-set loss, eventually finding his rhythm to dominate the final three sets. The 39-year-old Serb, who had played only one previous clay match this season, credited his opponent's powerful serve and said he had to stay concentrated for opportunities. Djokovic will next face Frenchman Valentin Royer in the second round.
SkySports | NewsDjokovic Overcomes Scare in Roland Garros First Round, Sets Grand Slam Appearance Record
Novak Djokovic survived a tough first-round match at Roland Garros 2026, defeating Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4. The 39-year-old Serbian struggled early, losing the first set and wasting nine break points before turning the match around. Djokovic made history by playing his 82nd Grand Slam match, breaking the record he shared with Roger Federer and Feliciano López. He cited the difficulty of reading Perricard's powerful serve, comparing it to Opelka and Karlovic. Djokovic, who has won the Musketeers Cup three times (2016, 2021, 2023), will next face Frenchman Valentin Royer. The victory came after a limited competitive schedule due to a shoulder injury sustained after the Australian Open final.
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