French Open 2026 Kicks Off: Djokovic, Zverev, Andreeva Headline Day 1

Djokovic lead first round action at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic starts his bid for a fourth French Open and 25th Grand Slam against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard as the tournament begins Sunday.

Zverev enters Roland Garros as a top contender after reaching the 2024 final. He faces Bonzi in round one with Carlos Alcaraz out injured...

The French Open’s first round kicks off on Sunday. Novak Djokovic will start his bid for a fourth title in Paris and a record 25th Grand Slam overall against French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. World No. 3 Alexander Zverev is also in action, facing Benjamin Bonzi.

The claycourt Grand Slam begins amid tension, as several players have chosen to limit their appearances at the traditional media days on Friday and Saturday. The reduced presence reflects growing frustration over prize money and player influence.

Djokovic Opens Campaign Against Mpetshi Perricard

Djokovic has played only one match since Indian Wells in March, and the 39-year-old will need to shake off any rust quickly when he faces Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in their first career meeting.

 

The Paris main draw is just around the corner 🇫🇷

Full Sunday's order of play on https://t.co/wvNRC5UQgb. #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/qOuXd6NzpG

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 23, 2026

The Serbian has spent the past two years chasing a 25th major title that would put him ahead of Margaret Court for the all-time record. That goal now risks being delayed again.

“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 always have 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.”

Andreeva Begins Against Home Favorite Ferro

Mirra Andreeva has put together a strong clay season, claiming the Linz Open title and reaching her first WTA 1000 final in Madrid. The 19-year-old also made the semifinals in Stuttgart and the quarterfinals in Rome.

She opens against France’s Fiona Ferro, ranked 200th in the world. If Andreeva can keep the crowd from unsettling her like they did in last year’s quarterfinal loss to Lois Boisson, she should advance comfortably.

“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.”

It is HOT out there! How are you feeling in the Parisian sun, champ? ☀#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/dXBzd7QtrX

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 23, 2026

Zverev Eyes First Major in Paris

Alexander Zverev has come close to winning his first Grand Slam several times, reaching three finals but falling short each time. If he is going to break through, the French Open may offer his best chance.

Locked in and ready to get things started 👊#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/EDF6ImkghX

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 22, 2026

The 29-year-old was a finalist in Paris in 2024 and has reached at least the quarterfinals in seven of the last eight editions. With world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz out injured, Zverev enters this year’s tournament as one of the leading contenders.

Zverev starts his campaign against Bonzi, who could prove a tricky opponent. The Frenchman is one of only three players to have taken a set off world No. 1 Jannik Sinner during Sinner’s 29-match winning streak.