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2026 French Open
ATP Tour
Roland Garros
Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
24 May – 7 June
Novak Djokovic will continue his chase for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title when he faces ATP 73rd-ranked Valentin Royer in the second round on 27 May.
What to know about Djokovic
The Serbian legend is a three-time French Open champion (2015, 2016, 2023) and holds the all-time record with 24 major titles.
Currently ranked world No. 4, Djokovic battled past Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in four sets in the first round.
Why Djokovic could win the French Open
Djokovic’s unmatched experience in best-of-five matches, elite return game, and tactical brilliance on clay make him a constant threat.
After a solid start to the tournament and with several top contenders absent, the 24-time major winner is keen to go deep and add another French Open title to his legendary career.
What was said
“It was a good match to be part of, three hours, just what the doctor ordered, at age 39. Here we go," Djokovic said after defeating Perricard in the 2026 French Open first round.
“I think nobody wants him in the draw, to be honest. If he puts certain things together, he can have a really bright future. Obviously playing a French player, centre court, Roland Garros, is never so easy.
"Obviously the crowd gets into it and then you feel the pressure even more.” “The body is feeling all right for now. Of course I have to get the game together, and hopefully that will happen as I progress.”
Head-to-Head
Novak Djokovic and Valentin Royer have never met before.
This second-round match at the 2026 French Open will be their very first encounter (H2H: 0-0).
The last five French Open singles champions (women)
2025 – Coco Gauff (USA)
2024 – Iga Świątek (Poland)
2023 – Iga Świątek (Poland)
2022 – Iga Świątek (Poland)
2021 – Barbora Krejčíková (Czech Republic)
The last five French Open singles champions (men)
2025 – Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
2024 – Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
2023 – Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
2022 – Rafael Nadal (Spain)
2021 – Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
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