Djokovic seeks record 25th Grand Slam as French Open begins

PARIS, May 23 : The first round of the French Open starts on Sunday, with Novak Djokovic beginning his hunt for a fourth crown and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title when he takes on home hope Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, while world number three Alexander Zverev faces Benjamin Bonzi.

The claycourt Grand Slam starts under a shadow, with some players deciding to restrict their appearances at Friday's and Saturday’s traditional pre-tournament media days amid growing tensions over prize money and player influence.

TOP MEN'S MATCH: DJOKOVIC V MPETSHI PERRICARD

Djokovic has played just one match since Indian Wells in March and the 39-year-old will need to quickly shake off any rust when he meets Mpetshi Perricard for the first time in his career in his opening match.

The Serbian has spent the last two years trying to capture a 25th major crown that would move him past Margaret Court to take sole possession of the all-time record, but that quest looks in danger of being prolonged.

"I wanted to play more but my body was not allowing me. I was going through rehabilitation process for my injury," Djokovic told reporters.

"If I'm able to somehow maintain a level of freshness and progress... then I feel like I have always a very good chance. I have proven that in Australia this year where I was close to winning another Slam. I always have that belief in me when I'm on the court."

TOP WOMEN'S MATCH: ANDREEVA V FERRO

Russian Mirra Andreeva has had a strong clay season, winning the Linz Open and reaching her first WTA 1000 final at the Madrid Open, while also making it to the semi-finals in Stuttgart and quarter-finals in Rome.

The 19-year-old begins against world number 200 Fiona Ferro of France, and should face little trouble if she can