2026 French Open - Day 1 recap at Roland-Garros as Novak Djokovic beats spirited Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in four sets

Novak Djokovic was made to work at Roland-Garros as he booked his place in the second round with a 5-7 7-5 6-1 6-4 win over home hero Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner initially struggled to cope with 6 foot 8 Mpetshi Perricard's serving, as both players looked dominant on serve.

However, Mpetshi Perricard found an opening at the end of the first set and eventually converted a break point to take a shock lead, much to the delight of Court Philippe-Chatrier.

The second set was equally tense, but this time it was Djokovic who had the chances late in the set, which he eventually took after several tries.

Mpetshi Perricard flagged in the third set, hampered by a hand problem, as Djokovic raced to a 2-1 lead in 20 minutes.

When Djokovic broke at the start of the fourth, it looked like the set would be a procession, but Mpetshi Perricard found his best level again to break back.

Unfortunately, 39-year-old Djokovic was playing like a person 15 years younger as he combined powerful hitting with deft, well-placed shots to find another break and hold off any comeback with Mpetshi Perricard lurking.

It was a tough test for Djokovic who has been handed a tough draw, despite being on the opposite side to Jannik Sinner.

It concludes an action-packed opening day which saw Emma Raducanu lose in straight sets, but Francesca Jones came from behind to beat Beatriz Haddad Maia.

Tomorrow's action, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, includes second and third seeds Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek, while British interest continues with qualifier Toby Samuel, who faces eighth seed Alex de Minaur.

Katie Boulter also takes on American wildcard Akasha Urhobo in the women's section.

Mpetshi Perricard has no chance with either of the first two points. However, a cross-court backhand halves the deficit.

Djokovic looks set to bring up two match points but puts it into the net! 30-30.

Another big roar from the Serb as he brings up match point. Is this it?

Yes! A passing shot into the corner seals the deal! A little jig to celebrate as he books his place in the second round.

It's hard to believe he's 39. Djokovic moves so effortlessly on the clay.

He hits a backhand down the line and roars in delight as he moves 15-30 up.

Mpetshi Perricard does fight back to hold serve. Djokovic will have to serve it out.

This moment feels like a long time ago.

Djokovic powers a winner into the corner to go 40-0 up. He's nearly in the second round.

Another hold to love. Djokovic is one game away.

Here's a chance. Djokovic fights back to 30-30, prompting the crowd to make a bit more noise.

It helps Mpetshi Perricard, who successfully serves out wide, but he then nets a passing shot.

Another unforced error and Djokovic can break again, which he does when Mpetshi Perricard puts another shot in the net.

After a quick break and some energy gels (for the players, not me), we continue.

Mpetshi Perricard would hope to make more of an impact on Djokovic's serve, as he holds to love.

Mpetshi Perricard's injury issues are very much in the rear-view mirror. Must have just been some cramp or something.

His power serving and hitting are back on display as he holds to love.

Some entertaining tennis now as both players get a good run out before Djokovic clinches the opening point.

The next three are far more straightforward.

Mpetshi Perricard has got his mojo back.

He races to 40-0 before holding to love with an ace.

Vintage from the 22-year-old.

Shot! Mpetshi Perricard chases down a drop-shot and then finds a low passing shot to take the point.

Hello! A rare error from Djokovic makes it 15-30. The Serb responds with an ace.

Djokovic has a chance to smash, but hits it straight to Mpetshi Perricard who finds a passing shot to bring up a break point!

The drop-shot comes out again for Djokovic, but it lands out!

More treatment for Mpetshi Perricard between sets. This match could be over very quickly.

Djokovic is starting to play some brilliant tennis too, placing his passing shots to perfection and punishing any loose drop shots from Mpetshi Perricard.

He gets two break points but, unexpectedly, Mpetshi Perricard saves them both!

However, third time's the charm and it's another exquisite drop-shot to clinch it.

Djokovic is flying now. This is looking like a procession.

And once again, it is long from Mpetshi Perricard and Novak Djokovic leads two sets to one.

That set was just 20 minutes.

The physio was not sure whether to come on or not at the end of that game. He remains behind the fence for now.

Mpetshi Perricard's service speeds are back up at 210kph plus, so he might be okay for now. Just as I write that, he double faults.

From 30-0 it's gone to 30-40 and it's a chance for Djokovic to go two breaks up.

And he does! Mpetshi Perricard goes long.

Beautiful drop-shot from Djokovic helps him move to 40-0.

He seals the hold, again to love.

Medical time-out is over and Mpetshi Perricard is continuing for now.

He finally gets a point on serve, much to the delight of the crowd. 30-30.

A fantastic reflex volley after Djokovic tries to pass him helps him hold for the first time this set.

Mpetshi Perricard is holding his thumb and his wrist. Not good signs.

Djokovic holds to love and Mpetshi Perricard looks in some bother here. He calls for the physio.

It's already 0-30 to Djokovic on the Mpetshi Perricard serve. Big pressure now.

Double fault and two break points for Djokovic.

Another error and Djokovic breaks! On his way to the second round?

The momentum is with Djokovic now as the errors creep into Mpetshi Perricard's game.

He holds with ease.

An unforced error from Mpetshi Perricard gives Djokovic a 0-30 lead. Chance to not only break but take the set.

Djokovic generates two break points, but loses one immediately thanks to Mpetshi Perricard's monstrous serve.

An ace takes the other one away. Deuce.

Djokovic finally executes a passing shot to get another break point, only to get hit by another ace.

Advantage Mpetshi Perricard this time, but he puts a passing shot into the net.

Djokovic with yet another break point. This time, with a deft drop shot, he takes the set!

An ear to the crowd as they applaud some excellent tennis. We are back level.

Djokovic has definitely been the slightly better player this set, and looks on course for another comfortable hold.

There it is. He holds to love.