Djokovic Off to a Winning Start in French Open Bid

Former World Number One Looks Sharp in Straight-Sets Win to Launch Roland Garros Campaign

There was no fanfare, no fuss—just vintage Novak Djokovic.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion, fresh off ending his lengthy title drought in Geneva last week, began his latest French Open adventure with a confident 6-3, 6-3 win over American Mackenzie McDonald on Monday. It wasn’t a spectacular performance, but it didn’t need to be. It was clinical, composed, and precisely what the sixth seed needed as he continues to build momentum after a rocky start to his 2025 season.

Now 38, Djokovic has played enough first rounds at Roland Garros to know what’s required. With this latest win, he extended his perfect record in opening-round matches at the Paris major to 21-0. The French Open is a familiar hunting ground—though in recent years, one where the trophies have been harder to come by.

But this year, despite the odds and despite the growing whispers about his age, the Serbian maestro is once again a serious contender.

A Win Djokovic Desperately Needed

The straight-sets win over McDonald marked Djokovic’s fifth consecutive victory, a welcome streak following an uncharacteristic slump that saw him suffer three straight defeats earlier this spring—including first-round exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid. For a player of his stature, and particularly one with such lofty ambitions, those results prompted concern.

But Geneva may well have turned the tide. The title he secured there, his 100th on the ATP Tour, was more than a trophy—it was a mental breakthrough. It ended a drought that had stretched all the way back to last summer, when Djokovic clinched the career Golden Slam by winning Olympic gold in Paris. And while that success was historic, the months that followed were anything but golden.

In a candid move, Djokovic recently ended his coaching partnership with Andy Murray, a former on-court rival turned brief collaborator. Their six-month alliance concluded without the kind of spark both might have hoped for, but Djokovic has taken it all in stride.

“He joked that I’ve started winning again now that I’ve got a proper coach,” Djokovic laughed in a recent press conference. Whether or not there’s truth in the humour, the results speak for themselves.

Momentum at the Right Time

‘I was very privileged’ – Djokovic on coaching reunion with Murray

Djokovic’s win on Court Philippe-Chatrier was no classic, but it was efficient. He dropped serve only once across the one-hour, 58-minute contest and fired 32 winners to just 20 unforced errors. McDonald, ranked 98th in the world, never looked likely to spring an upset, and Djokovic rarely needed to shift out of third gear.

But that’s precisely what will please the Serbian and his camp the most. For a man trying to rediscover rhythm and form, there’s value in a comfortable win. He wasn’t forced to dig deep, wasn’t pushed into long rallies, and wasn’t on court long enough to feel the grind of the clay under his shoes.

Next up for Djokovic is a second-round meeting with the winner of the all-French clash between Corentin Moutet and Clement Tabur. Both are dangerous in their own right, particularly on home soil, but neither would be expected to seriously threaten Djokovic if he maintains this level.

Still, the path only gets steeper from here.

A Brutal Road to the Title

If the draw unfolds as expected, Djokovic’s road to a possible 25th Grand Slam is paved with danger. He’s projected to face third seed Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals, world number one Jannik Sinner in the semis, and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

That’s a brutal gauntlet, even for a player of Djokovic’s calibre. But if there’s one thing the tennis world has learned over the years, it’s never to count Novak Djokovic out—especially when history is on the line.

And make no mistake, history is on the line. With 24 Grand Slam singles titles already to his name, Djokovic stands level with Margaret Court for the all-time record across both the men’s and women’s games. One more, and he becomes the outright leader. The thought of achieving that on the same Roland Garros clay where he has already lifted the trophy twice is clearly a motivating factor.

Elsewhere in Paris: Zverev, Norrie, De Minaur Advance

While Djokovic was going about his business, other big names were also making statements on Tuesday.

Germany’s Alexander Zverev—fresh off his emotional triumph at the Italian Open—opened his campaign with a composed 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over American youngster Learner Tien. Zverev looked sharp, fluid, and largely untroubled, underlining his own credentials as a serious title threat.

British number one Cameron Norrie, meanwhile, produced arguably the shock of the day. In a gripping five-set epic, he ousted Russian 11th seed Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, 7-5 in a match that lasted nearly four hours. Norrie now finds himself on a potential fourth-round collision course with Djokovic—a rematch of their Wimbledon 2022 semi-final.

Australian ninth seed Alex De Minaur also progressed, defeating Serbia’s Laslo Djere in straight sets: 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). Known for his speed and tenacity, De Minaur remains a dark horse in the draw and will be aiming to break into the second week with momentum on his side.

Still in the Fight

As for Djokovic, there’s no denying the stakes. This isn’t the Djokovic of 2015 or 2021—dominating the tour week in, week out. At 38, he knows the opportunities to lift another Slam are dwindling. But even with younger, hungrier rivals snapping at his heels, he’s still in the fight.

What we saw in Geneva, and again in this French Open opener, is a man who hasn’t lost the belief. He’s not here for a farewell tour. He’s here to win.

And if Monday was anything to go by, there’s every chance he might.