Novak Djokovic advanced to the French Open second round with a gritty 5-7 7-5 6-1 6-4 victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The 39-year-old Serb, making his record 82nd Grand Slam appearance, showed rust on clay after playing just one match on the surface this season. Mpetshi Perricard broke through first, becoming the first man in 17 years to take a set off Djokovic in the opening round at Roland-Garros.

Djokovic clawed back the deficit by converting his 10th break point of the second set, then turned up the intensity to cruise through the third. Mpetshi Perricard, who received treatment for a wrist and arm issue, recovered an early break in the fourth but Djokovic edged ahead at 4-3 to seal the win. Speaking afterward, Djokovic praised his opponent's serve, saying he had "no chance" in the first set.

Djokovic will next face Frenchman Valentin Royer, who eased past Hugo Dellien 6-4 6-2 6-2. Meanwhile, seventh seed Taylor Fritz bowed out in straight sets against Nishesh Basavareddy, Alexander Zverev dismantled Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets, and home wild card Arthur Gea retired from his debut with stomach issues.