Novak Djokovic began his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title with a commanding performance at the French Open on Tuesday. The Serbian star secured a straight-sets victory over American Mackenzie McDonald, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 in under two hours.
Djokovic, 38, displayed his trademark dominance on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Despite a minor hiccup when he failed to serve out the second set at 5-2, he quickly regained control by breaking McDonald to seal the set.
“I don’t know how many more Grand Slams I’ve got left in my body,” Djokovic said after his win. “I’m just trying to enjoy every moment in this magnificent stadium.”
The sixth seed and three-time French Open champion will face France’s Corentin Moutet in the second round as he continues his pursuit to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles.
In other action, Germany’s Alexander Zverev made an impressive start to his campaign, defeating American teenager Learner Tien 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. The third seed, still seeking his first Grand Slam title after three runner-up finishes, aims to build on his consistent performances at Roland Garros, having reached at least the semifinals in the past four editions.
The tournament saw its first major upset when Britain’s Cam Norrie overcame 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-set battle, winning 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, 7-5. Medvedev, seeded 11th, has now exited the French Open in the first round six times in his last nine appearances.
Elsewhere, 18-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca stunned No. 30 seed Hubert Hurkacz with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory. Meanwhile, No. 16 seed Grigor Dimitrov retired from his match against American qualifier Ethan Quinn while leading two sets to one, marking his fourth consecutive retirement at a major tournament.
Britain’s fifth seed Jack Draper celebrated his first French Open match win, rallying past Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. Ninth seed Alex de Minaur also advanced, defeating Serbia’s Laslo Djere 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(8/6).
The French Open continues to thrill fans worldwide as top players battle for glory on the iconic clay courts of Paris.
