Djokovic, Zverev win French Open openers

Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev began the 2026 French Open with first-round wins on Sunday, while Taylor Fritz became one of the men’s draw’s earliest seeded exits. Djokovic beat France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in four sets under the lights, and Zverev, the No. 2 seed, moved through Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets in Paris. Fritz, seeded seventh, lost to fellow American Nishesh Basavareddy in four sets, according to Reuters and the official Roland-Garros draw. Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, is not in the field after withdrawing last month with a right wrist injury. ### How did Djokovic get through his opener? Novak Djokovic opened with a 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a big-serving French opponent who pushed him for more than two sets. Reuters reported that Djokovic said it was “practically impossible” to read the serve the first time he faced him. (hindustantimes.com) The official Roland-Garros draw shows Djokovic, seeded third, recovered after dropping the first set and pulled away in the third and fourth. Reuters said Djokovic is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title. ### What did Zverev do in his first match? Alexander Zverev beat Benjamin Bonzi 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the heat on the main showcourt. Reuters said the German never allowed world No. 95 Bonzi into the match and secured a second-round meeting with Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic. (hindustantimes.com) (rolandgarros.com) Zverev said it was “always good to start with a win in straight sets,” according to Reuters. The result gave the second seed a clean opening in a tournament where he is again chasing a first major title. ### Why does Fritz’s loss stand out so quickly? (hindustantimes.com) Taylor Fritz lost 7-6(5), 7-6(5), 6-7(9), 6-1 to Nishesh Basavareddy, a wildcard ranked No. 148 in the world, according to Reuters and the official draw. Reuters said Fritz’s limited clay-court preparation showed in the late-afternoon match. (hindustantimes.com) Nishesh Basavareddy’s win removed the No. 7 seed on the tournament’s opening day and handed the American one of the biggest results of his career. Court Suzanne-Lenglen fans chanted Basavareddy’s name after the upset, Reuters reported. ### Where is Alcaraz, and what changed in the draw? (hindustantimes.com) Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from Roland-Garros on April 24 because of a right wrist injury, the tournament’s official website said. The site said the Spaniard chose “to be cautious” and not play Rome or Roland-Garros while waiting to evaluate his recovery. (hindustantimes.com) Roland-Garros said Alcaraz, winner of the 2025 title after beating Jannik Sinner in the final, is missing the Paris event for the first time since 2021. Reuters said his absence leaves world No. 1 Sinner as the overwhelming favorite. ### How open is the men’s tournament now? Jannik Sinner entered as the top seed, while Djokovic and Zverev were among the biggest names in the field after Alcaraz’s withdrawal. (rolandgarros.com) The ATP’s tournament guide listed Sinner, Djokovic and Zverev among the men headlining the event in Paris. The ATP said the 2026 Roland-Garros main draw runs from May 24 to June 7 at Stade Roland Garros, with the men’s singles final scheduled for June 7. (rolandgarros.com) Reuters framed Sunday’s results as an early opportunity for Djokovic and Zverev in a draw missing its defending champion. June 7 is the date set for the men’s singles final, according to the ATP, and Zverev’s next opponent is Tomas Machac. (atptour.com) Djokovic has advanced into the second round, while Sinner remains the top seed in the men’s bracket.