ATP Tour

Djokovic maintains perfect R1 record at Roland Garros

Another year, another impressive start from Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros.

The three-time champion at the clay-court major kick-started his 2025 campaign on Tuesday with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 triumph against Mackenzie McDonald. Djokovic, competing just three days after he lifted his 100th tour-level title at the Gonet Geneva Open, was solid in all facets of his game during a clinical one-hour, 58-minute display inside Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Straight down to business 🔥@DjokerNole powers past McDonald 6-3 6-3 6-3 to reach R2 at #RolandGarros 💪@rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/EKVQpf2h3d

— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 27, 2025

With victory in his maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head clash against McDonald, Djokovic improved to 20-0 in first-round matches at Roland Garros. The 38-year-old has not lost a set in a Paris opener since he needed four sets to overcome Evgeny Korolev in 2010.

“I try to enjoy every moment on this very special and beautiful court,” said Djokovic in French in his on-court interview. “I feel good, clearly, even more here because I’m reliving the memories of last year’s Olympics, the last time I played on this court. [They are] beautiful emotions.

“It was a solid match. I know that he can play to a better standard than today, but I am very happy with what I produced.”

Djokovic and McDonald started their match as strong gusts blew across Court Philippe-Chatrier, and the roof was eventually closed early in the second set when rain also began to fall. By that stage, the No. 6 in the PIF ATP Rankings Djokovic had established a commanding lead after winning six of seven games from 2-2 in the first set.

While McDonald battled hard and claimed what would prove to be his only break of Djokovic’s serve to reduce his second-set deficit to 3-5, the American was unable to match his opponent’s consistent, deep baseline hitting. Djokovic promptly broke in the next game to clinch the second set, and then eased through the third to complete victory having converted five of nine break points he earned, according to Infosys Stats.

Djokovic last year reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros before withdrawing due to a knee injury. He returned to the venue later in the year to claim an Olympic gold medal, and will face Corentin Moutet or qualifier Clement Tabur in the second round at this edition of the clay-court major.

“History in this sport has given me everything in my life, it means a lot to me,” said Djokovic, who has won a record 24 Grand Slam men's singles titles. “I always try to make history where I can… In all the tournaments I play, all the practises, all the matches, and especially during the biggest tournaments in the world. There is an opportunity to make more history, and that is one of the biggest motivations I have for competitions, for continuing to work and better myself.”