Novak Djokovic Scrapes Through but Fritz and Raducanu Exit
Roland Garros
May 25, 2026
Novak Djokovic looked in distinct danger of an early exit against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Instead he emerged a triumphant record-breaker yet again.
In fact, just by walking out onto the Roland Garros clay, Djokovic beat the most popular player ever, Roger Federer.
Novak Djokovic now holds the record for the most singles appearances at Grand Slams – and he will seek to build on that tally at Wimbledon 2026, too!
Previously he was level with the great Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez on 81. But Novak has outlasted his rivals and now sits on an astonishing 82 big-time matches.
It was fitting that he came through his tricky contest against the talented Frenchman despite losing the first set.
Mpetshi Perricard has a huge serve but a more fragile temperament. The Serb was able to use his superior experience and mental strength to prevail 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4.
Novak danced a jig in celebration, probably for the benefit of his children who were watching happily in the stands.
He plays another Frenchman, Valentin Royer in the next round – and will hope to savour every moment in this, the twilight of his career.
But there was no joy for Taylor Fritz, who suffered a shock defeat in the very first round. Young American Nishesh Basavareddy said the fourth set was the best he had ever played in his life!
He saw off his compatriot 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (9-11), 6-1 to shake off the frustration of squandering a match point to win in straight sets.
Fritz knows he has to get the biggest moments right when he comes to the All England Club for the big one – Wimbledon 2026!
And Emma Raducanu will have to hit the ground running at her home major too. Although she showed some fight in the second set, Emma was far too careless in the opener.
Solana Sierra of Argentina romped through 6-0, 7-6 (7-4) in Paris, leaving Raducanu scratching her head once more.
Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz and Emma Raducanu will all hope to find top form at Wimbledon 2026 next month. Will you be there?
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