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Djokovic Opens French Open, Ties Record as Alcaraz Withdraws

5/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Novak Djokovic (third seed) opens the 2026 French Open versus Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on May 24, 2026.
The match is Djokovic’s 82nd Grand Slam, tying Federer’s and Lopez’s 24-title record.
Carlos Alcaraz misses the tournament with a wrist injury, clearing a path for Djokovic.
Djokovic returns after a two-month shoulder layoff and a loss in Rome, making his 22nd Roland Garros appearance that ties the French record of Gasquet and Gentien.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 Roger Federer ended Rafael Nadal’s four-year dominance at Roland Garros by defeating Robin Söderling, earning his first French Open crown, completing the career Grand Slam and tying Pete Sampras’s record of 14 major titles. The tournament, the 108th French Open, marked the only non-Nadal win between 2005-2014, a pattern later echoed by Novak Djokovic’s own career-Grand-Slam victories.

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Story summary

Novak Djokovic (third seed) opens the 2026 French Open versus Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on May 24, 2026.
The match is Djokovic’s 82nd Grand Slam, tying Federer’s and Lopez’s 24-title record.
Carlos Alcaraz misses the tournament with a wrist injury, clearing a path for Djokovic.
Djokovic returns after a two-month shoulder layoff and a loss in Rome, making his 22nd Roland Garros appearance that ties the French record of Gasquet and Gentien.

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