Djokovic Begins Hunt for 25th Slam as Gauff, Andreeva Launch Campaigns in Paris

Novak Djokovic begins his bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open on Tuesday, facing American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round.

The 38-year-old Serb, fresh off his 100th ATP title in Geneva, hopes to carry momentum into Roland Garros, where he is a three-time champion.

“I needed to win matches, particularly on this surface,” Djokovic said. “After the Geneva title, I feel more confident and positive about my level.”

Djokovic is in the same half of the draw as world number one Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, last year’s runner-up. Zverev, seeded third, opens against American teenager, Learner Tien after a turbulent journey to Paris, which included an emergency plane landing due to a lightning strike.

Britain’s Jack Draper, seeded fifth, faces Italy’s Mattia Bellucci, while 11th seed Daniil Medvedev meets Cameron Norrie. Australia’s Alex de Minaur plays Laslo Djere, and Czech teenager Jakub Mensik takes on France’s Alexandre Muller.

In the women’s draw, Coco Gauff begins her campaign against Australia’s Olivia Gadecki. Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, has reached at least the quarter-finals on her last four visits to Paris.

“Madrid and Rome gave me confidence,” said Gauff. “But now it’s all about focusing on the next two weeks.”

Sixth seed Mirra Andreeva also returns, facing Cristina Bucsa. The 17-year-old Russian has claimed WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells and reached the Olympic doubles final last year.

“I’m super excited to be back. Everything’s going well so far,” said Andreeva, a semi-finalist in Paris last year.

Elsewhere, Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur takes on Magdalena French, while Victoria Azarenka meets Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer in a match between two mothers — Wickmayer is set to retire after Wimbledon.