French Open 2026: Djokovic Survives Mpetshi Perricard Scare; Zverev Cruises

Last Updated:May 25, 2026, 08:17 IST

Novak Djokovic fought back from a set down against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to begin his Roland Garros campaign, while Alexander Zverev eased through.

Novak Djokovic kept his bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title alive on Sunday, overcoming a fierce challenge from Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in an entertaining first-round clash at the 2026 French Open.

The 39-year-old Serbian battled back from a set down to defeat the big-serving home favourite 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in just under three hours on Court Philippe Chatrier.

With double-defending champion Carlos Alcaraz absent through injury, Djokovic knows this year’s tournament presents another major opportunity to secure the elusive 25th Slam crown that would place him alone atop tennis history.

But the opening night was anything but comfortable.

Backed by a loud Paris crowd, the 2.01-metre Mpetshi Perricard unleashed one booming serve after another, leaving Djokovic frustrated for long stretches of the opening set.

“The match, it was very challenging, obviously mentally," Djokovic said afterward.

“Three hours, just what the doctor ordered at age 39," he added with a smile.

The victory also marked Djokovic’s first win on clay this season after shoulder issues disrupted much of his 2026 campaign.

He will next face fellow Frenchman Valentin Royer in the second round.

Zverev Cruises, Fritz Crashes Out

Earlier in the day, second seed Alexander Zverev made light work of France’s Benjamin Bonzi, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in sweltering Paris conditions.

Meanwhile, seventh seed Taylor Fritz suffered a shock early exit, losing to Indian-origin American Nishesh Basavareddy in four sets.

Elsewhere, former champion Barbora Krejcikova was knocked out by Hailey Baptiste, while Emma Raducanu and Sofia Kenin also exited the tournament.

Emotional Moment For Kostyuk

One of the most emotional moments of the day came from Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk, who revealed that a Russian missile landed near her parents’ home in Kyiv earlier on Sunday.

“This morning, 100 metres from my parents’ house, a missile fell," she said after her straight-sets win.

“All my thoughts and all my heart were with the people of Ukraine today."

(with AFP inputs)

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