Djokovic Celebrates Opening Match Win at French Open

Novak Djokovic, a celebrated tennis player with over 400 Grand Slam victories and 24 major titles, brought an unexpected jubilance to his victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round at Roland-Garros. Despite his seasoned career, Djokovic celebrated the win as if it were his first major success.

In a spirited match, the third-seeded Djokovic defeated the unranked French player Perricard in four sets. Moments after his win, Djokovic performed a dance that mixed elements of a shimmy and a sashay. This celebration extended beyond the court, as the official Roland-Garros account shared a video of Djokovic dancing in a stairwell on social media. In the video, he exclaimed, ‘Check this out! Woo! Woo! You can’t beat that, Aryna. I challenge you.’

The comment was directed at Aryna Sabalenka, Djokovic’s friend and the top-ranked female tennis player globally. Sabalenka has not yet responded to Djokovic’s challenge, though her social media antics suggest a response might be forthcoming.

Sabalenka is set to begin her French Open journey against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro from Spain. Sabalenka, who has bagged the Australian and US Open twice each, is still in pursuit of a win at the French Open or Wimbledon. Last year, she reached the final at the French Open but was defeated by Coco Gauff.

Djokovic, a three-time champion at Roland-Garros, last triumphed there against Casper Ruud in 2023. His next opponent is Valentin Royer, another French player, whom he will meet in the second round.

Djokovic’s evident joy also stems from missing the challenge of Carlos Alcaraz at this event. Alcaraz, the reigning two-time French Open champion, is absent due to a wrist injury. He has previously beaten Djokovic to claim the 2026 Australian Open title and won Wimbledon against him in both 2023 and 2024.