Novak Djokovic begins his journey for a historic 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open 2025, starting Tuesday. The 38-year-old Serbian star, fresh from winning his 100th ATP title in Geneva, faces American Mackenzie McDonald in his opening match.
“Winning the 100th title really boosted my confidence before Roland Garros,” said Djokovic. “I need matches to feel my best, especially on clay.”
Novak Djokovic Begins His French Open 2025 Quest for 25th Grand Slam Title, seeded sixth, shares the same half of the draw with world number one Jannik Sinner and 2023 finalist Alexander Zverev. This marks his return to Paris since clinching Olympic gold against Carlos Alcaraz last August.
Novak Djokovic enters in form after Geneva victory
After lifting the Geneva title, Djokovic admitted he feels more prepared and positive ahead of Roland Garros. “I still have big goals and ambitions,” he said, hinting that he’s far from done on the big stage.
Zverev and Draper aim to make deep runs
World number three Alexander Zverev is hoping to improve on his runner-up finish last year. However, his preparation was rocky, losing early in Hamburg and suffering travel chaos when his plane was hit by lightning.
Zverev begins against American teenager Learner Tien, who surprisingly beat him earlier this year in Acapulco.
Meanwhile, fifth seed Jack Draper, the Indian Wells champion, meets Mattia Bellucci in round one. Eleventh seed Daniil Medvedev faces Cameron Norrie, and consistent performer Alex de Minaur plays Laslo Djere.
Gauff and Andreeva highlight women’s opening action
In the women’s draw, Coco Gauff kicks off her French Open 2025 campaign against Australia’s Olivia Gadecki. Gauff, the 2022 Roland Garros runner-up and 2023 US Open champion, reached finals in Madrid and Rome this month.
“These results give me confidence, but now I’m focused fully on Paris,” said Gauff, who has made the quarter-finals or better in her last four French Open appearances.
Andreeva eyes first Grand Slam title
Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva, winner of major WTA titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, returns to Roland Garros with high hopes. She reached the semi-finals here last year and also bagged Olympic silver in doubles.
Andreeva opens against Spain’s Cristina Bucsa and said she’s feeling strong: “Practices are going well. I’m excited to get started.”
Jabeur and Azarenka also in action
Tunisian star Ons Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, faces Poland’s Magdalena Frech in her comeback from injury.
In another interesting matchup, former Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka takes on Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer, who will retire after Wimbledon.
