Djokovic Begins French Open Title Defense Despite Lackluster Season

Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked tennis player, begins his quest for a fourth French Open title on Tuesday, despite enduring a lackluster season. Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slams, is seeking to extend his record and equal Rafael Nadal's 14 Roland Garros titles.

However, Djokovic has not won a title in 2024 and has yet to reach a final. He has suffered from a stomach problem and was accidentally hit on the head by a metal water bottle in Rome, causing nausea and dizziness.

Despite these setbacks, Djokovic remains confident in his ability to perform well in Grand Slams. "I have always looked ahead, what is the next challenge, and what it takes for me to be better than I was last week," he said.

Djokovic will face French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round, a player he has defeated in their only previous meeting. Herbert, ranked 142nd in the world, has not won a match on the main tour this year.

Also in action on Tuesday is Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two and two-time Australian Open champion. Sabalenka is seeking her first Roland Garros final and is the only woman to beat world number one Iga Swiatek in a final on clay since 2019.

Sabalenka will face Russia's Erika Andreeva in the first round. Fourth seed Elena Rybakina, who reached the quarterfinals in 2021, will take on Greet Minnen of Belgium.

In the men's singles, Argentine qualifier Roman Andres Burruchaga, son of 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Burruchaga, will make his Grand Slam debut against Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff.

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