Djokovic Triumphs Over Wind

Novak Djokovic is unfailing in his Roland Garros debuts. He has played the first round of the tournament 21 times and emerged victorious on each occasion. The latest was this Tuesday, on a windy day in Paris, which he navigated with a swift victory of 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 against Mackenzie McDonald.

The Serbian, fresh from securing his 100th career title in Geneva, continues the good form he displayed in Switzerland, marking five consecutive victories on the circuit for the first time since the last Miami Masters 1000.

McDonald, who proved to be a rather soft opponent and barely offered resistance, failed to capitalize on Djokovic's struggles with the wind during the early stages of the match. The Belgrade native repeatedly requested the chair umpire to close the roof of the central court due to the strong winds. The tournament supervisor even had to come down to the Philippe Chatrier clay to converse with the Serbian, who was denied the request, earning him a time violation warning.

Eventually, rain forced the court to be covered, and Djokovic, despite his initial discontent, overpowered the American to extend his impeccable record in the opening rounds of a tournament he has won three times (2016, 2021, and 2023). His next opponent will be a Frenchman, either Corentin Moutet or Clement Tabur.

Tuesday's action saw the major upset of Daniil Medvedev's defeat to Cameron Norrie, 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5. The Russian, despite serving for the match in the fifth set, lost the last four games and exits in the first round, as he did in 2023.

Among the favourites, Alexander Zverev did not falter, defeating Learner Tien 6-3, 6-3, 6-4, Jakub Mensik overcame Alexandre Muller 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-3, and Alex de Minaur triumphed over Laslo Djere 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (6).

In the women's draw, Spain's Cristina Bucsa fell to Mirra Andreeva (6-4, 6-3) despite putting up a good fight and holding two break advantages in the first set. Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula also secured their spots in the tournament's second round.

This Wednesday, Carlos Alcaraz will return to compete, playing his second-round match against Fabian Marozsan not before 13:30 Spanish time.