ROLAND GARROS

May 25, 2026

Novak Djokovic

Recording from ATP

N. DJOKOVIC/G. Mpetshi Perricard

5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4

Q. Congratulations. Can you just comment on the match, and also the fact that this was a record-breaking 82nd appearance at the majors for you?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, I was not aware of the amount of appearances. It's nice. When it comes to the match, it was very challenging, obviously mentally and, you know, for me to hold my nerves in the important moments. Hasn't happened first set, but then after, it was great because I was able to read his serve a bit more and anticipate better. First set, zero chance really on his serve, he has one of the most tremendous serves in terms of precision and speed that I have ever faced in my career.

So kudos to him, and good luck. I think nobody wants him in the draw, to be honest. You know, if he puts certain things together, he can have a really bright future.

Obviously playing French player, center court, Roland Garros, is never so easy, you know. Obviously the crowd gets into it, and then you feel the pressure even more.

All in all, you know, it was a good match to be part of, three hours, just what the doctor ordered, at age 39. Here we go.

Q. How hard is it even after all these years to hit that high level when you haven't played that much?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it is more challenging for me, this surface, and I've said it before, I always say this is not the ideal strategy of coming into Roland Garros with one match on clay. That was not part of the plan, but it was, you know, a situation that I have to accept with circumstances of being injured. It is what it is.

I got myself prepared for Paris, and, you know, I was always planning to come and try my best, you know, try to get as far as I can in the tournament.

Let's see. You know, the body is feeling all right for now. Of course I have to get the game together, and hopefully that will happen as I progress.

Q. Gael Monfils plays what could be his final match here tomorrow. It's his last tournament at Roland Garros. Your careers have overlapped for so long. He's a very different sort of player in terms of things that he's done for crowds and everything. How would you describe his legacy and sort of the way that he made an impact on...

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I told him and I told others when I spoke about him, first of all, the legacy that he'll leave behind is, at least for me and all of us guys that know him for a long time, is how nice of a human being he is, how good of a guy.

He's always smiling, always bringing positive vibes. He's been through difficult times in his career, being injured and all, coming back, and one of the most athletic tennis players that you'll see. His slides, his defense, his slam dunks, overheads are some signature shots.

He'll be missed. Honestly, he was one of my favorite players to watch, no doubt, and one of the favorite players to play against, as well. (Laughter.) I mean, I'm sorry, but I had to mention it.

But incredible guy, incredible guy, so much fun to talk to him, to be around him. You know, it was really nice and emotional the other night. I was so happy to be part of that. Playing this game and all of the guys from men's and woman's side coming to celebrate his journey, his career, was a great moment.