Novak Djokovic will continue his search for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at this year’s edition of Roland Garros.
The Serb, who turns 39 years old on Friday, has not won a major since the 2023 US Open, despite coming close on a number of occasions.
Djokovic‘s most recent near miss came at the 2026 Australian Open, where he dethroned 2025 champion Jannik Sinner en route to the finals, before falling to Carlos Alcaraz.
How concerned are you about Novak Djokovic heading into Roland Garros?
Alcaraz’s withdrawal from Roland Garros this year presented an opportunity for the 24-time major champion, whose main problem recently at Grand Slams has been getting past both the Spaniard and Sinner.
But following the draw for the men’s tournament at Roland Garros, Djokovic’s chances of adding to his legendary tally have decreased.
Novak Djokovic’s draw at the 2026 edition of Roland Garros
Djokovic certainly would have hoped for an easier first-round assignment in Paris, which will come in the form of big server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
He will then be faced with either Valentin Royer or a qualifier in round two, and will likely have another tough test in round three.
Potential third-round opponents for Djokovic include Joao Fonseca and Dino Prizmic, who beat him at the Italian Open.
In round four, Djokovic will have to overcome an incredibly difficult hurdle: two-time Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud.
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The Serb made the semifinals in 2025…
By seeding, he is then projected to play Alex de Minuar before coming up against Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.
Djokovic can at least avoid Sinner until the title bout, meaning back-to-back Grand Slam finals could be on the cards.
Novak Djokovic’s big problem heading into Roland Garros
Djokovic managed to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros last year, dropping just one set en route.
However, he had much better preparation for the tournament in 2025, having clinched a title on clay in Geneva prior to his run in the French capital.
This time around, Djokovic has just played one match on clay heading into Roland Garros, with the sole clash coming at the Italian Open.
He fell to Prizmic in the opening round in Rome, and then opted not to defend his title at the Geneva Open.
Should his draw unfold as projected, Djokovic won’t have much time to play his way into the tournament.
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