Novak Djokovic Starts Roland Garros Campaign with a Victory

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic made a successful start at Roland Garros 2026, defeating France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round after a four-set comeback.

The match on Court Philippe-Chatrier lasted around three hours, with Djokovic winning 5:7, 7:5, 6:1, 6:4. The French player started strongly, relying on his powerful serve and managing to take the opening set, but the Serbian star gradually found his rhythm and took control of the match.

The key moment came at the end of the second set, when Djokovic managed to level the match at one set apiece. After that, he raised his level completely, allowing his opponent just one game in the third set before calmly closing out the match in the fourth.

For Djokovic, this match also had special significance. The Serbian player made his 82nd Grand Slam main-draw singles appearance, setting a new record in men’s tennis.

Roland Garros is being held this year from May 24 to June 7. The women’s singles final is scheduled for June 6, while the men’s final will take place a day later, on June 7.

The tournament’s total prize fund is a record €61.7 million, while the singles champions will each receive €2.8 million.

The defending champion in the men’s singles is Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, while last year’s women’s title was won by American player Coco Gauff. Roland Garros is the only Grand Slam tournament played on clay.