Novak Djokovic is set to play his opening match at Roland Garros today against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Djokovic will continue his search for a 25th Grand Slam title, having not emerged victorious at a major since the 2023 US Open.
The Serb has been handed a tough draw at the French Open, which could include a potential fourth-round clash with Casper Ruud.
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But the good news for Djokovic is that he can avoid overwhelming favourite Jannik Sinner until the final.
While the 24-time major champion will always have a chance, Patrick Mouratoglou has highlighted a big problem he will face in the French capital.
Patrick Mouratoglou concerned about Novak Djokovic’s fitness
“The problem I see with Novak winning Roland Garros is the fitness,” said Mouratoglou in a post on Instagram. “How many difficult matches can he handle without having physical issues?
“It happened a lot last year. He reached the four semifinals of the Grand Slams and every time he was not at 100% at all.
“And when you have the toughest matches, if you are not at your best physically, it starts to be too difficult.
“So the draw is very important for him. If he’s already tired when he has to play Fonseca, which is going to be a tough match, what’s going to happen against Ruud?
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“And if he manages to win this one, he’s going to be destroyed. So the most important thing for him is the first round.
“Lose as little energy as possible. So winning straight sets. That’s the most important for him. He needs enough matches.
“Does he have enough? Not at all. Only one match against Indian Wells. And second, can he practice the way he needs to to be ready for a Grand Slam and even more on clay?
“He said it’s not because of physical issues here and there all the time. So we know he comes to Roland Garros with his heart, with his incredible competitiveness, which is the best in the history of this game. But without the physical that is needed to go far, very far in a Grand Slam.”
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s clay swing so far
Djokovic’s first opponent in Paris, Perricard, has not had the most successful clay season heading into Roland Garros.
The Frenchman started the swing at the Italian Open, where he earned one win before falling to Lorenzo Musetti in the second round.
He then featured at a Challenger event in Bordeaux, but only went as far as the quarterfinals.
Perricard’s most recent tournament appearance on clay came at the Geneva Open, where he lost in the first round.
Djokovic and Perricard have never played each other on the ATP Tour.
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