Djokovic eyes record 25th Grand Slam as French Open begins under sunny skies

Novak Djokovic kicks off his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros on Sunday, headlining the opening day of the French Open. With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injury, Djokovic sees a prime opportunity to extend his major title count. He faces France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the night session, aware that this may be his best chance to claim a historic crown.

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It's been a lot of hours spent on the court and trying to perfect the game and the body and enable myself physically and game-wise to be ready for best of five (sets). Let's see. I don't know whether that's going to be the case for the entire tournament, however long that tournament will be for me.

Djokovic, who has been dealing with a shoulder issue, expressed his readiness for the best-of-five-set format. "Grand Slams have been, and I have said this many times, always the priority list," he told reporters. Despite limited clay-court preparation, including an early exit at the Italian Open, Djokovic has a strong Grand Slam record, reaching at least the semi-finals in his last five majors.

However, the draw presents challenges. Mpetshi Perricard boasts a powerful serve and will have the home crowd's fervent support. Second seed Alexander Zverev also begins his campaign on Sunday against Benjamin Bonzi, another French player. Meanwhile, rising stars Joao Fonseca and Jakub Mensik are set to make their debuts.

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Grand Slams have been, and I have said this many times, always the priority list, particularly in the last couple of years... So I can't wait to get on a court and start competing.

On the women's side, Russia's Mirra Andreeva, the eighth seed, will play French wildcard Fiona Ferro. Andreeva, who reached the quarterfinals last year, acknowledged the partisan atmosphere. "Of course it's never tricky to play a French player, especially in Paris," she joked, referencing her previous experience at the tournament.

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Of course it's never tricky to play a French player, especially in Paris. Because obviously the crowd is gonna support her as much as they can, and that's totally okay. I mean, I have some experience even from last year when I played quarters, so I pretty much know what to expect.