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Fils vs. Wawrinka among R1 matches to watch at Roland Garros

The 2026 Roland Garros draw has wasted little time serving up a host of compelling first-round men’s singles matchups.

From Novak Djokovic opening his campaign against towering Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to another home hope, Arthur Fils, facing former champion Stan Wawrinka, there is no shortage of storylines to begin the clay-court major.

ATPTour.com highlights five opening-round clashes to look out for in Paris.

[3] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (FRA)
Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th major title begins with an immediate challenge. The three-time Roland Garros champion faces Mpetshi Perricard, and the Serbian can expect little rhythm early against one of the biggest servers on Tour.

Standing at 6’8”, Mpetshi Perricard possesses explosive firepower that can trouble any opponent. Still, Djokovic’s credentials as one of the greatest returners in the sport could prove decisive. The Serbian arrives in Paris after a surprise opening-round loss to Dino Prizmic in Rome and will be eager to make a fast start.

[17] Arthur Fils (FRA) vs. Stan Wawrinka (SUI)
Fils’ return from injury has been a major talking point this season, and his Roland Garros opener adds another layer of intrigue. The Frenchman begins his campaign against 2015 champion Wawrinka, who is playing his final season on Tour.

Fils arrives in Paris fifth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin after claiming the title in Barcelona and reaching the semi-finals in both Miami and Madrid, but he retired in the opening set of his Rome match two weeks ago.

[WC] Moise Kouame (FRA) vs. Marin Cilic (CRO)
#NextGenATP star Moise Kouame enjoyed a breakthrough moment earlier this year by earning his first ATP Tour victory in Miami. Now, the 17-year-old French wild card prepares for another milestone: his first main-draw appearance at a Grand Slam. Standing in his way is former US Open champion Marin Cilic.

Kouame grew up idolising Djokovic, and his Roland Garros debut offers another connection to that generation. Cilic has faced Djokovic in 22 Lexus ATP Head2Head clashes throughout their careers, and will now meet a rising star eager to leave his mark.

[2] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. Benjamin Bonzi (FRA)
One of only three players to take a set from World No. 1 Jannik Sinner during the Italian’s 29-match winning streak, Benjamin Bonzi has shown to be a threat on clay this year.

That form should not be lost on Alexander Zverev, who meets Bonzi for the first time as he begins another pursuit of a maiden major title. Zverev came within one set of lifting the Roland Garros trophy in 2024 and owns a 38-10 record at the event, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

[WC] Gael Monfils (FRA) vs. [WC] Hugo Gaston
In a popcorn clash between two French wild cards, Gael Monfils faces the crafty left-handed Hugo Gaston in a matchup likely to have the home crowd fully engaged from the start.

Like Wawrinka, Monfils is playing the final season of his career and will hope to create one more memorable chapter at his home major. The 39-year-old’s best Roland Garros run came in 2008, when he defeated World No. 5 David Ferrer en route to the semi-finals before eventually falling to Roger Federer.