Paris
Twenty-four-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic demonstrated his trademark resilience and experience by overcoming a slow start and a partisan crowd to secure a hard-fought first-round victory at the French Open.
The 39-year-old Serbian rallied from a set down to defeat French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in a gripping contest lasting two hours and 51 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Playing in his record 82nd Grand Slam tournament, Djokovic faced a difficult challenge against the 22-year-old home favourite, who enjoyed overwhelming support from the Paris crowd. Mpetshi Perricard’s powerful serve and aggressive play troubled the Serbian throughout the opening set, which the Frenchman sealed with consecutive aces, including one clocked at 223 kmph.
“Playing a French player on centre court at Roland Garros is never easy,” Djokovic said after the match. “The crowd gets involved and you definitely feel the pressure.”
Despite struggling to create opportunities early on, Djokovic gradually found his rhythm. After failing to convert several break points, he finally broke serve late in the second set to level the match and shift the momentum firmly in his favour.
The turning point came after nearly two hours of intense competition. Once the match was level, Djokovic’s superior fitness, experience and consistency began to wear down his younger opponent.
Mpetshi Perricard, ranked 80th in the world, appeared to lose energy as the match progressed, while Djokovic grew stronger with every set. The Serbian dominated the third set and maintained control in the fourth to close out the victory.
The win was another milestone in Djokovic’s remarkable career. By taking the court two days after his 39th birthday, he surpassed both Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez for the most Grand Slam appearances in men’s tennis history.
Djokovic, a three-time French Open champion, is now making his 22nd appearance at Roland Garros. He has reached at least the quarterfinals in 19 of the past 20 editions of the tournament.
With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz absent through injury, Djokovic’s hopes of adding a 25th Grand Slam title have received a significant boost. He can only meet world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final, keeping alive the possibility of another memorable run in Paris.
