The Athletic has live coverage of Day 2 of the 2026 French Open.PARIS – Novak Djokovic has lifted 24 Grand Slam trophies, including three Coupes des Mousquetaires on the red clay of Roland Garros. This year, at 39, he returned as a favorite to win the men’s singles tournament.But for four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, the title of greatest of all time belongs to another. Her personal GOAT has 24 fewer Grand Slams than Djokovic, has never made it past the semifinals of the French Open and serves as a reminder that the number of championships on one’s resume is but one measure of greatness.The ability to inspire others is another.Gaël Monfils, who is the same age as Djokovic, will retire at the end of this year as one of the most inspiring players in French tennis history. His impact on a generation of his young countrymen, and a generation of Black players both at home and abroad, has far outweighed the 13 titles he has so far collected through a 22-year career.“Seeing representation is so important, and on the women’s side, you know, for me growing up, I have had Serena and Venus, so I was so grateful to them,” Osaka said in a news conference, explaining why she calls Monfils “The GOAT.”“On the men’s side, I always looked up to him and [Jo-Wilfried] Tsonga for such a long time. I think it’s just so important. And obviously there is a wave of Black French guys coming up. … I know for sure he’s inspired a lot of players here.”