Novak Djokovic Begins French Open Journey with Tough Win Over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard

Novak Djokovic kicked off his French Open journey with a hard-fought victory against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. After a challenging match that saw him come back from a set down, Djokovic expressed confidence in his fitness and praised his opponent's impressive serving. This win not only advances him in the tournament but also marks a significant milestone in his career, equaling the record for the most appearances at Roland Garros. Read on to discover more about this thrilling match and Djokovic's journey ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 13:08 IST

Djokovic's Challenging Start at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic commenced his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open with a hard-fought victory against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The 24-time champion expressed satisfaction with his physical condition, stating that his body was "feeling all right for now" after overcoming a challenging first-round match at Roland Garros on Sunday.

Facing the 80th-ranked French player, Djokovic found himself in a tough battle, having to come back from a set down to secure a 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 win in a match that extended over three hours. Although Djokovic showed signs of rustiness, he gradually regained his form against one of the circuit's most formidable servers.

In the post-match press conference, Djokovic acknowledged the need to improve his game as the tournament progresses. He remarked, "Of course I have to get the game together, and hopefully that will happen as I progress." The match was not easy for the Serbian, who initially struggled against Mpetshi Perricard’s powerful serve and aggressive play.

The crowd was firmly behind the French player, chanting his name as he broke Djokovic during a tense first set. Mpetshi Perricard finished the opener with consecutive aces, including one that reached a speed of 223 kph (139 mph), visibly frustrating Djokovic. However, the veteran player absorbed the pressure and finally converted a break point on his tenth attempt to take the second set, finishing it with a delicate drop shot.

"It was a good match to be part of, three hours, just what the doctor ordered, at age 39. Here we go," Djokovic commented after the match. He later praised Mpetshi Perricard's exceptional serving skills, stating that he possesses "one of the most tremendous serves in terms of precision and speed that I have ever faced in my career."

As the match progressed, flashes of Djokovic’s signature confidence emerged. After winning a crucial point late in the fourth set, he joyfully skipped back to the baseline and celebrated his victory with a playful wiggle on the court. This win also marked a significant milestone for Djokovic, as he equaled the record for the most appearances at Roland Garros with his 22nd entry, matching French players Richard Gasquet and Antoine Gentian. His remarkable record in Paris includes reaching the quarterfinals in 19 of the last 20 tournaments, with titles won in 2016, 2021, and 2023.