Story perspectives

Djokovic Sets Record 82nd Slam Appearance with First-Round Win

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Novak Djokovic's first-round win gave him his 82nd Grand Slam appearance, the most in men’s history, passing Roger Federer.
Novak Djokovic beat French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris.
Novak Djokovic, returning from a shoulder injury, said the crowd was hostile, called Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s serve among the hardest he has faced, and could meet Jannik Sinner in the final with Carlos Alcaraz sidelined.

History

Historical Context

Since the Open Era began in 1968—when the French Open introduced a 128-player draw that Rod Laver won—the Grand Slam circuit has allowed professionals to amass long careers. Novak Djokovic’s 82nd major appearance this year, spanning more than five decades of competition, surpasses Roger Federer’s 81, illustrating how the era’s open format enables record-breaking longevity.

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Story summary

Novak Djokovic's first-round win gave him his 82nd Grand Slam appearance, the most in men’s history, passing Roger Federer.
Novak Djokovic beat French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris.
Novak Djokovic, returning from a shoulder injury, said the crowd was hostile, called Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s serve among the hardest he has faced, and could meet Jannik Sinner in the final with Carlos Alcaraz sidelined.

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