Novak Djokovic is set to begin the defence of his French Open title on Tuesday, banking on his extensive Grand Slam experience to counterbalance a challenging season.
Despite holding the world number one spot and aiming for a fourth Roland Garros title, as well as a record-extending 25th major, Djokovic is experiencing his most difficult run since 2018.
At 37, Djokovic has not secured a title in 2024, with his best performances being semi-final appearances at the Australian Open and the Monte Carlo Masters. He also endured an unusual incident in Rome, where he was accidentally struck on the head by a metal water bottle, leading to nausea and dizziness.
Last week in Geneva, Djokovic was ousted by Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic, compounded by a stomach ailment. Reflecting on his season, Djokovic described his challenges as "bumps on the road" and remained forward-looking. He downplayed his struggles, avoiding detailed explanations and emphasising his focus on the future: "What has happened, happened, and it's in the past. I know exactly what I need to do in a Grand Slam environment."
Djokovic's first-round opponent is French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert, whom he defeated in their only previous meeting at the Paris Masters in 2013. Herbert, ranked 142, has not won a main tour match this year.
In the women's draw, Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion and world number two, begins her quest for a first Roland Garros final. Sabalenka has reached the semi-finals in each of the past six Grand Slams and remains the only woman to have defeated world number one Iga Swiatek in a clay final since 2019. Sabalenka credits Swiatek for motivating her to improve, noting significant progress in her game due to this rivalry.
Meanwhile, fourth seed Elena Rybakina, with her best Roland Garros result being a quarterfinal in 2021, faces Greet Minnen of Belgium.
Also in action is Argentine qualifier Roman Andres Burruchaga, the son of Jorge Burruchaga, who scored the winning goal for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup final. Ranked 144, Roman makes his Grand Slam debut against Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff.
As the French Open progresses, both Djokovic and Sabalenka are poised to overcome their recent challenges and leave their mark on Roland Garros.
