PARIS — Novak Djokovic has done it again. The 39-year-old Serbian legend etched his name deeper into tennis history on Sunday by claiming his 10th French Open title, extending his Grand Slam record to 24 major championships and becoming the first man to win 10 titles at Roland Garros.

In a match that began with a shaky first set, Djokovic faced his toughest challenge in years against 21-year-old French qualifier Mpetshi Perricard, but the veteran’s resilience and clutch performances under pressure prevailed. The final score was 7-5, 7-6(3), 6-4, though the first two sets were far from straightforward.

Key Context: Djokovic’s victory moves him to 10 French Open titles, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s previous record of 9. His 24th Grand Slam title also extends his lead over Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20) in the all-time major championships record book.

The Match That Defined a Career

What began as a 5-7, 6-7(5) opening act transformed into one of Djokovic’s most dramatic victories in Paris. The turning point came in the third set when Djokovic broke Perricard’s serve for the first time, establishing momentum that he never relinquished.

Perricard, who had stunned the tennis world by reaching the final as a qualifier, showed glimpses of his potential with aggressive baseline play. But Djokovic’s experience in high-pressure moments—particularly on clay—proved decisive. The Serbian’s ability to adjust his game mid-match, particularly with his topspin forehand and precise slice shots, frustrated Perricard’s offensive approach.

Statistic Highlight: Djokovic’s 86% win rate at Roland Garros (101-17) remains the highest of any player in the Open Era. His 10 titles at the French Open are the most by any man in tennis history.

Historical Context: Djokovic’s French Open Legacy

Djokovic’s victory caps a remarkable French Open career that has spanned 22 years. His first title came in 2016, but it was his 2021 triumph that began what would become an unprecedented streak of dominance:

• 2016: First French Open title (defeated Andy Murray in final)
• 2021: Return from injury to win in dramatic fashion (defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas)
• 2023: Defeated Casper Ruud in final (6-3, 6-3, 6-1)
• 2024: Won in straight sets against Jannik Sinner
• 2025: Reached final before losing to Mpetshi Perricard in last year’s semifinal
• 2026: 10th title against the same opponent

This victory also marks Djokovic’s 33rd Grand Slam final appearance—another record in men’s tennis. His ability to perform at this level in his late 30s has redefined what’s possible in professional tennis.

What In other words for Djokovic’s Legacy

With this victory, Djokovic has:

• Surpassed Nadal’s French Open record (9 titles)
• Extended his Grand Slam lead to 4 titles over Nadal (24-20)
• Become the oldest man to win the French Open since 1968
• Won his 100th career ATP title
• Achieved the Career Grand Slam for the 10th time (having won all four majors at least 10 times)

More significantly, Djokovic has now won 10 of his 24 Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros—a staggering 42% of his major victories coming from a single tournament. This level of consistency on clay is without precedent in men’s tennis history.

Expert Perspective: “This isn’t just about the numbers anymore. Djokovic has transcended the sport’s statistical records to become its most complete player across generations,” said former ATP Tour player and current commentator John McEnroe in post-match analysis. “His ability to adapt his game to different surfaces while maintaining peak physical condition at 39 is nothing short of extraordinary.”

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Djokovic?

With this victory, Djokovic maintains his focus on the remaining two majors of the season:

• Wimbledon: July 1-14, 2026 (All England Club, London)
• US Open: August 25-September 8, 2026 (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York)

The next challenge comes at Wimbledon, where Djokovic will look to add to his 7 titles at the grass-court major. His record there stands at 7-3 in finals, with his most recent victory coming in 2019.

Looking beyond the majors, Djokovic will also prepare for the 2026 ATP Finals in Turin (November 10-16), where he will seek to add to his 7 titles at the season-ending event.

Player Reaction: Djokovic on His Historic Achievement

In his post-match press conference, Djokovic reflected on the significance of the moment:

“To be honest, I didn’t think it would be this easy today. I was struggling in the first set, but I knew I had to find a way. When I broke him in the third set, I felt like I could take control. This is a special tournament for me and to have 10 titles here… It’s something I’ll never forget.”

“I’ve always said I want to play until I can’t play anymore, and today proved that’s still possible. The fans, the clay, the history of this tournament—it all means so much to me.”

Djokovic also paid tribute to his opponent:

“Mpetshi is a fantastic player. He’s got everything—talent, aggression, and he’s only 21. I hope we see more of him in the future.”

Key Takeaways from Djokovic’s Victory

• Age Defies Conventional Wisdom: Djokovic’s victory at 39 challenges the notion that tennis players must peak in their early 30s, demonstrating that elite performance can continue into one’s late 30s with proper preparation.
• Clay Court Mastery: His 10 French Open titles represent the most by any man in tennis history, showcasing unparalleled consistency on the surface where he’s most dominant.
• Mental Resilience: Djokovic’s ability to recover from early setbacks (losing the first two sets) demonstrates his unmatched mental toughness in Grand Slam finals.
• Record-Breaking Legacy: This victory moves him to 24 Grand Slam titles, extending his lead over Nadal and Federer in the all-time major championships record.
• New Era of Tennis: Djokovic’s longevity and success have redefined what’s possible in professional tennis, inspiring a new generation of players to aim for similar longevity.

How to Follow Djokovic’s Next Matches

For fans looking to follow Djokovic’s progress:

• Official Updates: Follow the ATP Tour’s player profile page for schedule changes and results
• Live Streaming: Wimbledon and US Open matches will be available on official broadcasters including:
• Wimbledon: BBC (UK), ESPN (US), Tennis Australia (Australia)
• US Open: ESPN (US), Eurosport (Europe), Tennis Channel (global)
• Social Media: Djokovic’s official accounts (@DjokerNole on Instagram, @DjokerNole on Twitter/X)

Final Thoughts: A Moment for the History Books

Novak Djokovic’s 10th French Open title isn’t just another victory—it’s a statement. In an era where athletes often peak and then decline, Djokovic has defied expectations at every turn. His ability to win majors at 39, when most players are considering retirement, cements his place not just as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, but as one of the most remarkable athletes in any sport.

As he prepares for Wimbledon, the question remains: how many more records will Djokovic break before he finally hangs up his rackets? For now, the answer is clear—he’s not done yet.

What do you think about Djokovic’s latest achievement? Will he add to his Wimbledon record next? Share your thoughts in the comments below.