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Ananya Lohia , France - Novak Djokovic began his French Open 2026 campaign with a hard-fought victory and also provided a positive update on his fitness. The Serbian star, chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, overcame France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in four sets during a gripping opening-round clash at Roland Garros.
Djokovic defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 after losing the opening set in front of a vocal home crowd. Speaking after the match, the 39-year-old said, “The body is feeling all right for now. Of course I have to get the game together, and hopefully that will happen as I progress.” The match lasted over three hours, something Djokovic jokingly acknowledged during the post-match press conference. “It was a good match to be part of, three hours, just what the doctor ordered, at age 39. Here we go,” he said. Djokovic also equalled French players Richard Gasquet and Antoine Gentian with a men’s record 22nd appearance at Roland Garros. The Serbian has reached at least the quarterfinals in 19 of the last 20 editions of the tournament and previously lifted the French Open trophy in 2016, 2021 and 2023.
Mpetshi Perricard, currently ranked 80th in the world, received massive support from the French crowd and impressed with his powerful serving. He closed out the opening set with back-to-back aces, including one measured at 223 kph (139 mph). Djokovic later praised his opponent’s serving ability, calling it “one of the most tremendous serves in terms of precision and speed” he has faced in his career. After struggling to convert break points early on, Djokovic finally broke through on his 10th opportunity to seal the second set. He then playfully taunted the crowd by holding his hand to his ear. The Serbian looked increasingly confident as the match progressed and celebrated the victory with a signature dance-like wiggle on the baseline.
With a successful start to his French Open campaign and a reassuring fitness update, Novak Djokovic has once again shown why he remains one of the strongest contenders at Roland Garros. As he continues his quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title, all eyes will remain on the Serbian legend in Paris.
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