Djokovic begins French Open bid for 25th Grand Slam title

PARIS: Novak Djokovic will open his French Open campaign on Sunday as he targets a fourth Roland Garros title and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam crown, with the Serbian set to face France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round.

The clay-court major gets under way amid tensions off the court, with some players limiting their participation in the traditional pre-tournament media days on Friday and Saturday because of growing concerns over prize money and player influence.

Djokovic returns with limited match action

Djokovic, 39, has played only one match since Indian Wells in March and will be meeting Mpetshi Perricard for the first time. The former champion has spent the past two years trying to secure a 25th major title, which would move him clear of Margaret Court for sole ownership of the all-time record.

Speaking to reporters, Djokovic said his recent lack of matches was linked to injury recovery.

I wanted to play more but my body was not allowing me. I was going through rehabilitation process for my injury.

He also said he remained confident about his chances if he can stay physically fresh and build momentum through the tournament.

If I'm able to somehow maintain a level of freshness and progress.. then I feel like I have always a very good chance. I have proven that in Australia this year where I was close to winning another Slam. I always have that belief in me when I'm on the court.

Zverev starts against Bonzi

World number three Alexander Zverev will also begin his campaign on Sunday, taking on France's Benjamin Bonzi. Zverev, 29, has reached three Grand Slam finals in his career without winning one, and the French Open is seen as a strong opportunity for him to break through.

The German reached the final in Paris in 2024 and has made at least the quarter-finals in seven of the last eight editions. His prospects are further strengthened by the absence of injured world number two Carlos Alcaraz.

Bonzi could still pose a challenge. The Frenchman is one of only three players to have taken a set from world number one Jannik Sinner during the Italian's 29-match winning streak.

Andreeva faces Ferro in women's draw

In the women's competition, Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva will start against France's Fiona Ferro, who is ranked 200 in the world. Andreeva has enjoyed a strong clay season, winning the Linz Open, reaching her first WTA 1000 final in Madrid, making the semi-finals in Stuttgart and the quarter-finals in Rome.

The 19-year-old is expected to face strong backing for her opponent from the home crowd, after a difficult experience in last year's quarter-final loss to Lois Boisson.

Andreeva said she understood the likely atmosphere for her opening match.

Obviously the crowd is going to support her (Ferro) as much as they can, and that's totally okay.

She added that her experience from last year had given her a clearer idea of what to expect.

I have some experience even from last year when I played quarters, so I pretty much know what to expect.. We will see how it's going to go, but I hope they're not going to be too hard on me.

According to the order of play, action on Court Philippe Chatrier begins at 1000GMT on Sunday.