Novak Djokovic created history at the 2026 French Open after taking the field in his first round match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The 39-year-old broke a long-standing record of Roger Federer.
Photo : AP
Novak Djokovic created history and broke Roger Federer’s incredible world record after taking the field in his first-round match at the 2026 French Open against local player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Sunday (May 24) at the Court Philippe-Chatrier. The 24-time Grand Slam winner is playing a major tournament for a record 82nd time in his career while appearing at the French Open for the 22nd time, which is now as many as any player in history
The Serbian is aiming to end a two-and-a-half-year drought and win an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title. The 39-year-old is aiming to win the title in Paris for the fourth time in his career after 2016, 2021, and 2023. Djokovic has not won any major title since the 2023 US Open.
Novak Djokovic Creates History
Djokovic has now set the record for the most main draw appearances in a Grand Slam during the men’s singles category. The veteran star has broken a record that 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer and Spain’s Feliciano Lopez
Most Main Draw Entries In Men’s Singles Grand Slams (First Round Appearances)
| Player | Grand Slams Played |
| Novak Djokovic (Serbia) | 82 |
| Roger Federer (Switzerland) | 81 |
| Feliciano Lopez (Spain) | 81 |
| Richard Gasquet (France) | 75 |
| Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) | t75 |
This incredible feat means that the Seriban has now appeared most times in the Round of 128, Round of 64, Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter Finals, Semi Finals, and Finals of Grand Slams among male singles players. Essentially, no male player has played any round of a major event more times than him.
Novak Djokovic’s Incredible French Open Feat
Meanwhile, Djokovic now has the joint-most appearances at Roland Garros. Only French star Richard Gasquet made as many appearances at the year’s second major, which was also his home Grand Slam. He went past three players in the elite list and climbed to the joint-top spot.