[3] Novak Djokovic vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
All eyes will be on Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic, who enters the tournament with just one clay-court match (a loss to compatriot Dino Prizmic in Rome) under his belt in 2026. The soon-to-be-39-year-old (birthday May 22) will face one of the hardest servers in the men’s game in Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a forceful Frenchman who has won nine of his 20 career matches against top-20 opposition.
Djokovic has defused the most powerful servers with impressive regularity during his incredible career, but how will he turn up against a home favourite as he seeks his first win since Indian Wells?
[WC] Gael Monfils vs Hugo Gaston
The man, the myth, the magician. There will not be a dry eye on the grounds when Gael Monfils takes the court against compatriot Hugo Gaston in a first-time meeting. LaMonf’s 19th and final appearance at his home Slam will be emotional and the 39-year-old’s challenge will be to stay on mission in what is sure to be a chaotic atmosphere.
In the end, he’ll want to give the crowds what they want – a win – so they can have the chance to witness the universally adored showman up close and personal in the second round.