Rusty Djokovic beats Mpetshi Perricard in four sets
Novak Djokovic overcame a challenging start to defeat Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round of the French Open. After losing the first set, Djokovic rallied to win the match in four sets, showcasing his resilience despite a lack of recent match play. He will next face Valentin Royer in the second round.
- ▪Novak Djokovic is the third seed at the French Open and is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam singles title.
- ▪He struggled initially against Mpetshi Perricard, losing the first set 7-5 and facing difficulties in the second set.
- ▪Djokovic ultimately won the match with a score of 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 and will play Valentin Royer next.
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Rusty Djokovic beats Mpetshi Perricard in four setsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Novak Djokovic has won three French Open titles, most recently in 2023Published20 minutes agoNovak Djokovic showed signs of rust as he was forced to fight back from a set down to beat world number 83 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in four sets in the first round of the French Open.The third seed, who is bidding for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, had only played 11 singles matches in 2026 prior to arriving in Paris, including losing in three sets to Dino Prizmic in his only outing on clay.The 39-year-old was visibly frustrated in the opening two sets as he struggled against the 6ft 7in (2.01m) Frenchman's serve and ferocious forehand, conceding the first set 7-5 and later wasting nine break…
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