With a commanding straight-sets win against American Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday, Novak Djokovic commenced his journey into winning a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Despite howling winds accompanied by bouts of drizzle on Court Philippe Chatrier, the sixth seed Serbian was remorseless in a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory.
Fresh off clinching his 100th career title last week in Geneva, Djokovic came in sharp and commanding, not letting the winds or the rain hamper his spirit. Controlling the proceedings right from breaking his opponent midway through the first set, Djokovic never looked back, even with the brief delay occasioned when the stadium roof was finally closed over the heads of those inside.
“It is great to return here a year later,” noted Djokovic, who had won the Olympic gold on the opposite end of the same court in 2024. “I know I can play better, but this was a solid match. There’s still a chance to make more history, and that keeps me motivated.”
The 38-year-old, who has recently parted ways with Andy Murray in his coaching assignments, improved his record to 21-0 in the first round of the French Open. Since 2010, he has not conceded a set in the first round of Roland Garros.
As Djokovic continues to chase yet another historic milestone on Parisian soil, a much stiffer test now awaits him.
