Novak Djokovic turned french open results around on Sunday, rallying from a set down to beat Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 at Roland Garros. The win came in just under three hours and kept the 39-year-old’s chase for a 25th major crown moving forward.
Djokovic Stays Alive At Roland Garros
Djokovic said after the match, “The match, it was very challenging, obviously mentally.” He added, “First set, zero chance on him serving.”
The opener also gave him a record 82nd appearance at a major, and it was his first victory on the red dirt in 2026 after a shoulder issue forced him to miss most of the clay-court swing. He had arrived needing a clean start to keep his pursuit of a fourth French Open crown on track.
Royer Awaits In Round Two
The next assignment is Valentin Royer, who reached the second round by beating Hugo Dellien. Djokovic does not get an easing-in stage after the comeback; he gets a player who has already cleared one match and will be carrying the momentum of a straight path through the opening round.
Djokovic also described the atmosphere and the work required against Mpetshi Perricard, saying, “Obviously, the crowd gets into it and you feel the pressure even more. All in all, it was a good match to be part of.” He closed the night with, “Three hours, just what the doctor ordered at age 39.”
Zverev Moves Through The Draw
Alexander Zverev joined him in the round of 64 with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Benjamin Bonzi. He conceded one break of serve in the second set, but still controlled the match and said it was “always nice to start with a straight-sets win.”
Zverev next faces Tomas Machac, who beat Zizou Bergs 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. Karen Khachanov also advanced in straight sets over Arthur Gea, who had to plead with the umpire for a mid-match toilet break. On a day when temperatures went past 30C in Paris, the first round already trimmed the field and left Djokovic with a second-round opponent who has nothing to lose and a long road ahead for everyone else in his half.
