Djokovic, filled with self-assurance, initiates his bid for a Grand Slam record at the French Open
Roland Garros Kicks Off, Djokovic Aims for Third Title After 100th ATP Win
Novak Djokovic, a three-time Roland Garros champion, begins his pursuit of another Grand Slam title against 98th-ranked American Mackenzie McDonald. The Serbian's latest victory in Geneva secured his place as only the third man to amass 100 ATP titles.
In his pre-tournament comments, Djokovic expressed confidence in his form entering Roland Garros, stating, "Winning the 100th title is a significant milestone, undeniably. It's definitely beneficial for my game and confidence level." He added, "I needed to win matches, and particularly on this surface."
Djokovic will contend with world number one Jannik Sinner and last year's runner-up Alexander Zverev in the same half of the draw. Seeded sixth, Djokovic will make his return to Paris since clinching the much-coveted Olympic gold medal last August.
Confident about his recent progress in Geneva, Djokovic claimed, "After my victory in Geneva, I feel more confident and more optimistic about my level. I feel better, and I still have high ambitions."
Third-ranked Zverev, hoping to improve on his runner-up performance from 12 months ago, takes on US teenager Learner Tien. Zverev's preparations for Roland Garros have been less than ideal, with a round-of-16 exit in Hamburg and a harrowing plane incident involving lightning and an emergency landing.
Meanwhile, in the women's draw, Coco Gauff faces Australia's Olivia Gadecki, who has one main draw Grand Slam match win to her credit. Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, is yet to win a tournament since the WTA Finals last year but reached the finals at both Madrid and Rome this month.
21-year-old Gauff expressed mixed feelings regarding her recent results, stating, "These results definitely boost my confidence, but I'm putting them aside and focusing on the next two weeks here." Gauff has reached the quarter-finals or better in four consecutive visits to Roland Garros.
Rising Russian star, and WTA 1000 title winner in Dubai and Indian Wells, Mirra Andreeva is eyeing her maiden Grand Slam crown. In the first round, she faces Spanish world number 98 Cristina Bucsa. Andreeva expressed her excitement for the tournament, stating, "I'm thrilled to be back. The practices have been going well so far, and I can't wait to start the tournament."
The 2025 French Open commences with a host of high-profile matches, including potentially challenging roadblocks for favorites like Djokovic and Zverev, and promising performances from promising talents like Gauff and Andreeva.
Novak Djokovic, amidst his pursuit of another Grand Slam title, might find potential competition in rising star Mirra Andreeva from Russia, who eyes her maiden Grand Slam crown at Roland Garros.
In the women's draw, Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, confronts the challenge posed by the relatively unknown Spanish player Cristina Bucsa, who has managed one main draw Grand Slam match win to her credit, just like Gauff did years ago.
