Novak Djokovic begins French Open campaign for record 25th Grand Slam
Djokovic eyes 25th major title at Roland Garros as Gauff and Andreeva start strong.
 |
| Novak Djokovic of Serbia speaks to the media during the opening of a multifunctional sports field organized by the global Etendart Lacoste program and the Novak Djokovic Foundation on May 14, 2025, in Belgrade, Serbia. Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images |
By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo
Novak Djokovic embarks on another historic quest at the 2025 French Open as he seeks to secure a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. The Serbian legend, now 38 years old, steps onto the clay of Roland Garros with his eyes firmly set on surpassing all-time tennis records and reasserting his dominance in the sport.
On Tuesday, Djokovic opens his campaign in Paris against world number 98 Mackenzie McDonald, a determined American challenger. The match follows closely on the heels of Djokovic’s triumph in Geneva, where he clinched his 100th ATP title—becoming only the third man in tennis history to achieve that feat.
“Winning my 100th title is definitely a meaningful milestone,” Djokovic said in a pre-match press conference. “It was much needed for my confidence, especially coming into Roland Garros. Clay demands matches, rhythm, and grit—and Geneva gave me that.”
The sixth seed knows the road to another French Open crown will be grueling, as he’s been placed on the same side of the draw as top seed Jannik Sinner and last year’s runner-up Alexander Zverev. But if anyone can thrive in adversity, it’s Djokovic, who is playing in his first major since winning Olympic gold in August.
Djokovic finds rhythm on clay before Paris return
Known for his precision, endurance, and unmatched mental strength, Djokovic acknowledged the importance of building momentum before taking on the rigors of Grand Slam tennis.
“I’m the type of player that needs match play,” he said. “Especially on clay, every point demands more from you. Geneva was a good warm-up, but now the real test begins.”
His match against McDonald marks his official return to Roland Garros, where he’s claimed three titles in his career, including a memorable win in 2021 that added to his already legendary status.
Tough draw with Sinner and Zverev looming
While Djokovic’s name is synonymous with success at every Grand Slam, this year’s French Open presents a particularly challenging path. Sharing the top half of the draw with Italian prodigy and world number one Jannik Sinner and Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the three-time Roland Garros champion will need to be at his absolute best.
Zverev made a confident start to his own campaign, defeating American teenager Learner Tien in straight sets. The 21-year-old Zverev, who has reached at least the semi-finals in each of the past four French Opens, is hoping to go one better than last year’s final loss to Carlos Alcaraz.
His journey to Paris was turbulent—literally. A lightning strike hit the plane carrying Zverev and his team following a disappointing loss in Hamburg. Despite the scare, Zverev looked focused and composed in his opener.
 |
| Germany's Alexander Zverev tosses his racket into the air during his men’s singles match against Learner Tien of the United States on Day Three of the French Open at Court Suzanne-Lenglen, Roland-Garros Complex, in Paris on May 27, 2025. Photo by Julien de Rosa/AFP |
Next up, Zverev will face either Jesper de Jong of the Netherlands or Italy’s Francesco Passaro, as he continues his bid for a maiden Grand Slam title.
Early upsets and retirements on the men’s side
Drama was quick to unfold on day two of the French Open. Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev suffered another early exit in Paris, losing a five-set battle to Britain’s Cameron Norrie. It marks the sixth time Medvedev has fallen in the first round at Roland Garros, continuing his clay-court woes.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire yet again, this time due to a leg injury while leading American Ethan Quinn by two sets to one. It’s the fourth consecutive Grand Slam where Dimitrov has withdrawn mid-match due to injury, raising concerns about his long-term fitness.
Ninth seed Alex de Minaur from Australia enjoyed a smoother start, defeating Serbia’s Laslo Djere in straight sets. De Minaur, a consistent performer in recent majors, is looking to extend his streak of quarter-final appearances at Slams.
Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva shine in women's draw
In the women’s bracket, American star Coco Gauff began her Roland Garros run with a clinical 6-2, 6-2 victory over Australia’s Olivia Gadecki. The 2023 US Open champion continues to prove her consistency at the highest level, reaching the quarter-finals or better in her past four visits to the French capital.
Despite blustery conditions in Paris, Gauff maintained her composure and control throughout the match.
“It wasn’t easy with the wind,” Gauff said. “You had to adjust your game depending on which side you were on. But overall, I’m happy with how I managed it.”
 |
| Coco Gauff of the United States hits a backhand against Olivia Gadecki of Australia during their women’s singles first round match on Day Three of the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros on May 27, 2025, in Paris, France. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images |
Gauff, who finished runner-up at Roland Garros in 2022, is among the top contenders for this year’s title, especially following strong performances in Madrid and Rome earlier this season.
Andreeva targets first major after breakthrough wins
Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, seeded sixth, is also turning heads as she aims for her maiden Grand Slam title. The 18-year-old has already won WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells this year and carried that momentum into a solid 6-4, 6-3 win over Cristina Bucsa.
After falling behind 3-0 in the first set, Andreeva quickly found her rhythm and dictated the match with impressive shot-making and tactical awareness.
“I started a bit slow,” she admitted. “But with time, I felt better. By the end of the match, I was playing the way I wanted.”
 |
| Russia's Mirra Andreeva reacts after a point during her women’s singles match against Spain’s Cristina Bucsa on Day Three of the French Open at Court Suzanne-Lenglen, Roland-Garros Complex, in Paris on May 27, 2025. Photo by Julien de Rosa/AFP |
Andreeva will face either Ashlyn Krueger or Suzan Lamens in the second round. With a growing reputation and increasing expectations, Andreeva remains grounded but focused on going deep into the tournament.
Veteran presence and final runs
Veteran Victoria Azarenka made a statement of her own, thrashing Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer 6-0, 6-0 in a match dominated from start to finish. In a unique twist, both players are mothers—highlighting the increasing presence of working mothers on the WTA Tour.
Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open winner, looked sharp and hungry for another run deep into the draw.
American Sofia Kenin, a finalist at Roland Garros in 2020, also secured a comfortable first-round win, dispatching French hopeful Varvara Gracheva 6-3, 6-1.
What's ahead for Djokovic at Roland Garros
As Novak Djokovic begins this year’s French Open, his journey is about more than just one tournament. It’s a continuation of a legendary career that has already redefined tennis history. A 25th Grand Slam title would push him further ahead of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and solidify his status as the most decorated player in men’s tennis.
But for now, the focus remains on the next match—each point, each game a step toward sporting immortality. With top seeds on his heels and a generation of young challengers rising, the path won’t be easy. Yet if there’s one thing Novak Djokovic has proven time and again, it’s that he thrives under pressure.
From the clay courts of Paris, the pursuit of greatness continues.
More in Tennis
- Rafael Nadal's emotional retirement year reveals tennis farewell awkwardness
- Naomi Osaka exits French Open after tough loss to Paula Badosa
- Iga Swiatek faces uphill battle to reclaim French Open crown
