Novak Djokovic turned 39 last week and showed resilience to overcome Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Valentin Royer has never faced a Top 40 player on clay, Djokovic to maintain the momentum and get this one done in straight sets.
| Valentin Royer | Novak Djokovic | |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | France | Serbia |
| Age | 24 (29 May 2001) | 39 (22 May 1987) |
| Height | 6'2" (1.88m) | 6'2" (1.88m) |
| Plays | Right-Handed | Right-Handed |
| Ranking | 74 | 4 |
| Career High | 54 (February 2026) | 1 (July 2011) |
| ATP Tour Titles | 0 | 101 |
| 2026 ATP Tour Titles | 0 | 0 |
| Grand Slam Titles | 0 | 24 |
| French Open Best Result | First Round (2025) | Winner (2016, 2021, 2023) |
HTH
This will be the first match between Valentin Royer and Novak Djokovic.
Royer Regularly Outclassed on the ATP Tour
Valentin Royer lost 10 of his opening 12 matches this year. He had some success in the Challenger circuit on clay, reaching the quarter-finals in Monza and the final in Oeiras.
The Frenchman returned to the ATP Tour without success. He was knocked out in the first round in Madrid, Rome and Geneva, all three defeats against players outside the Top 40.
The 24-year-old took advantage of a favourable draw at Roland Garros, defeating Hugo Dellien 6-4 6-2 6-2. He won 70% of his 2nd serves and saved 3/5 break points, hitting 43 winners and 23 unforced errors.
Djokovic Aiming for Fourth French Open Title
Novak Djokovic is playing sparingly these days, his focus on winning a 25th Grand Slam. He overcame Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals before going down to Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
The Serbian competed in Indian Wells where he required 3 sets to beat Kamil Majchrzak and Aleksandar Kovacevic. He lost 4-6 6-4 7-6 to Jack Draper in the fourth round.
The 39-year-old took two months off before returning to action in Rome. He faded in his opening match against Dino Prizmic, beaten 2-6 6-2 6-4 in over two hours.
Djokovic came home strong to get past Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7 7-5 6-1 6-4 at Roland Garros. He hit 45 winners and 18 unforced errors, forcing 16 break points from the Frenchman.
The three-time French Open champion was pleased with the victory: “It was a good match to be part of, three hours, just what the doctor ordered, at age 39. Here we go.”
“The body is feeling all right for now. Of course I have to get the game together, and hopefully that will happen as I progress.”