Novak Djokovic will resume his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title when he meets France’s Valentin Royer in the second round of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, a clash that blends championship expectation with rising home ambition.
The 39-year-old Novak Djokovic arrives into the match having already absorbed an early test of both nerve and rhythm in the opening round.
Under the lights on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Djokovic was pushed to four sets by France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, eventually prevailing 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 after a match that exposed early rust but also reaffirmed his ability to adjust midstream.
The opening set was a rare warning sign. Djokovic struggled to read one of the most powerful serves in the draw and dropped a Roland Garros opener set for only the second time in his career.
The French crowd added to the tension, sensing an opportunity as the underdog briefly controlled the tempo.
