As the prestigious Roland Garros kicks off, the tournament is set to showcase exciting clashes, including a notable first-round matchup featuring the stalwart Novak Djokovic and the rising French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Additionally, there’s an intriguing contest between unseeded Lorenzo Sonego and veteran Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
In the opening match of Sunday’s schedule, Djokovic, a seasoned champion, is poised to face 22-year-old Mpetshi Perricard, marking their first encounter on the professional circuit. Djokovic, currently ranked third in the world, heads to Paris with some question marks surrounding his clay-court form, having played only one match on this surface so far this season. Despite his recent struggles, the Serbian superstar has developed a reputation for elevating his game during Grand Slam events, reaching the semifinals in his last five attempts at major tournaments, with his last semi-final appearance dating back to the beginning of 2025.
Conversely, Mpetshi Perricard’s momentum has seen a decline as he currently sits outside the top 70 at No. 80. His record of 6-11 on the main tour in 2026 has hampered his progress, despite a promising clay-court title victory in Lyon last year. However, clay is not his strongest surface, which makes this match-up particularly challenging for the Frenchman, who may find it difficult to contend against a player of Djokovic’s caliber. The expectation is for a dominant performance from Djokovic, with many predicting he will secure the match in straight sets.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3 sets.
In another intriguing encounter, Pierre-Hugues Herbert will take on Lorenzo Sonego. This match features two players at different stages of their careers. Herbert, aged 35, has been reinvigorated lately, making his third consecutive main-draw appearance at the French Open after qualifying successfully. Ranked 223rd, he’s experienced a resurgence at the Challenger level throughout the season, achieving some success that has fueled his confidence.
Sonego, on the other hand, has struggled to find his footing, currently ranked 69th after a disappointing season record of just 3-5 and a five-match losing streak. He has not recorded a win since his appearance at the Australian Open. With Herbert likely to enjoy the crowd’s support on home soil, and buoyed by his recent qualifying success, he will be keen to capitalize on Sonego’s current vulnerabilities.
Prediction: Herbert in 4 sets.
As the first day of the French Open unfolds, tennis enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation over these matchups, which promise to deliver excitement and drama on the legendary clay courts of Paris.
