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Djokovic Wins, 82nd Slam Appearance, 22-Round Streak

5/25/2026

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Summary

Djokovic Wins Opener

Novak Djokovic defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in the French Open first round.
The win gave him his record-tying 82nd Grand Slam appearance, his 22nd consecutive Roland-Garros opening-round victory and extended his 80-2 first-round record.
After only his second clay match since a shoulder injury, Djokovic praised Perricard’s 223 kph serve and, with Carlos Alcaraz out, now eyes a possible 25th Grand Slam title.

Summary

Players Protest

Some players skipped pre-tournament press days to protest prize-money gaps and limited influence over event policies.
U.S. viewers can watch the French Open on TNT, TruTV, Tennis Channel, DIRECTV, Max, Sling or fubo.
Sabalenka, Gauff, Andreeva and Bencic each won their first-round matches in straight sets.
Day-one heat topped 30 °C (86 °F), prompting Zverev to say quick straight-set wins help in the conditions.

History

Historical Context

After the International Lawn Tennis Federation upheld a one-month ban on Yugoslav star Nikola Pilic in May 1973, the Association of Tennis Professionals ordered a boycott that saw 81 top players skip Wimbledon, leaving only twelve of the sixteen seeds. The episode highlighted prize-money inequities that echo today as Novak Djokovic pursues another Grand Slam while players such as Aryna Sabalenka protest the French Open payout structure.

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Djokovic Wins Opener

Novak Djokovic defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 in the French Open first round.
The win gave him his record-tying 82nd Grand Slam appearance, his 22nd consecutive Roland-Garros opening-round victory and extended his 80-2 first-round record.
After only his second clay match since a shoulder injury, Djokovic praised Perricard’s 223 kph serve and, with Carlos Alcaraz out, now eyes a possible 25th Grand Slam title.

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