Djokovic Chases Historic 25th Grand Slam Title at French Open

The French Open tournament kicks off Sunday in Paris, with Novak Djokovic launching his pursuit of a fourth French Open championship and a historic 25th Grand Slam title against French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. World number three Alexander Zverev will also begin play against Benjamin Bonzi.

The clay court tournament opens amid controversy, as several players limited their participation in the customary pre-tournament media events on Friday and Saturday due to escalating disputes over prize money and player representation.

FEATURED MEN’S MATCH: DJOKOVIC VERSUS MPETSHI PERRICARD

The 39-year-old Djokovic has competed in only one match since the Indian Wells tournament in March and will need to overcome any competitive rust when he faces Mpetshi Perricard for their first career meeting in his tournament opener.

The Serbian star has spent two years pursuing his 25th major championship, which would surpass Margaret Court’s record and give him sole ownership of the all-time Grand Slam record, though that goal appears increasingly challenging.

“I wanted to play more but my body was not allowing me. I was going through rehabilitation process for my injury,” Djokovic told reporters.

“If I’m able to somehow maintain a level of freshness and progress… then I feel like I have always a very good chance. I have proven that in Australia this year where I was close to winning another Slam. I always have that belief in me when I’m on the court.”

FEATURED WOMEN’S MATCH: ANDREEVA VERSUS FERRO

Russian player Mirra Andreeva has enjoyed an impressive clay court season, capturing the Linz Open title and advancing to her first WTA 1000 championship match at the Madrid Open, plus reaching the semifinals in Stuttgart and quarterfinals in Rome.

The 19-year-old opens against France’s Fiona Ferro, ranked 200th in the world, and should advance easily if she can avoid being rattled by the home crowd support like during her quarterfinal loss to Lois Boisson at last year’s tournament.

“Obviously the crowd is going to support her (Ferro) as much as they can, and that’s totally okay,” Andreeva said.

“I have some experience even from last year when I played quarters, so I pretty much know what to expect… We will see how it’s going to go, but I hope they’re not going to be too hard on me.”

ZVEREV’S GRAND SLAM BREAKTHROUGH OPPORTUNITY?

Zverev has repeatedly come close to capturing his first Grand Slam championship throughout his career, advancing to three finals without success, and the French Open appears to offer his strongest opportunity to finally break through.

The 29-year-old German reached the Paris final in 2024 and has advanced to at least the quarterfinal round in seven of the last eight tournaments, making him a top contender this year, particularly with injured world number two Carlos Alcaraz absent.

Zverev opens against Bonzi, who could present challenges as the French player is among only three competitors to win a set against world number one Jannik Sinner during the Italian’s remarkable 29-match victory streak.

SUNDAY’S FRENCH OPEN SCHEDULE:

COURT PHILIPPE CHATRIER (starting at 1000 GMT)

Sinja Kraus (Austria) v 11-Belinda Bencic (Switzerland)

Benjamin Bonzi (France) v 2-Alexander Zverev (Germany)

8-Mirra Andreeva (Russia) v Fiona Ferro (France)

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (France) v 3-Novak Djokovic (Serbia)

COURT SUZANNE LENGLEN (starting at 0900 GMT)

13-Karen Khachanov (Russia) v Arthur Gea (France)

26-Hailey Baptiste (United States) v Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic)

7-Taylor Fritz (U.S.) v Nishesh Basavareddy (U.S.)

Ksenia Efremova (France) v 18-Sorana Cirstea (Romania)

COURT SIMONNE MATHIEU (starting at 0900 GMT)