Paris May 25
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic added another major achievement to his historic career during the opening round of the French Open 2026.
The 39-year-old player broke a long-standing record previously held by Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer after stepping onto the court for his first-round match against French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at Roland Garros.
Djokovic’s latest milestone once again highlighted his remarkable longevity and consistency at the highest level of professional tennis. Over the course of his career, the Serbian star has continued to set numerous records across Grand Slam tournaments and ATP competitions.
Tennis experts widely consider Djokovic among the greatest players in the history of the sport. His achievements include multiple Grand Slam titles, ATP Finals victories and extended periods as the world number one.
The French Open remains one of the most demanding tournaments in tennis because of its clay court surface, which tests players’ physical endurance, movement and tactical abilities. Djokovic has consistently performed strongly at Roland Garros and remains one of the tournament’s most successful modern-era players.
The atmosphere surrounding his opening-round appearance attracted significant attention from fans and media at the venue. Spectators acknowledged the historic nature of the moment as Djokovic surpassed another important benchmark in men’s tennis history.
Roger Federer previously held the record for many years and is widely respected as one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors. The rivalry involving Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal shaped one of the most successful eras in professional tennis history.
Their dominance over nearly two decades transformed global interest in the sport and produced several memorable Grand Slam finals and historic rivalries. Djokovic’s ability to continue competing at the highest level at the age of 39 has drawn praise from former players, coaches and analysts.
Meanwhile, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard entered the match as one of the younger rising talents in international tennis. Facing Djokovic at a Grand Slam tournament represented a major opportunity and valuable experience for the French player.
Sports analysts note that Djokovic’s physical fitness, mental discipline and adaptability continue to play a major role in his success despite the increasing competition from younger players on the ATP Tour.
Fans around the world reacted strongly on social media after the latest record was confirmed. Many supporters praised Djokovic’s dedication, professionalism and ability to maintain elite performance levels across multiple generations of opponents.
The French Open 2026 continues to feature strong competition from both experienced champions and emerging players. However, Djokovic’s record-breaking appearance has already become one of the defining moments of the tournament’s opening stage.
Tennis followers are now closely watching whether the Serbian star can continue his impressive run and add another Grand Slam title to his already historic career achievements. His performances in the coming rounds are expected to attract global attention as he pursues further success at Roland Garros.