The 2026 French Open men’s draw is out, and while the later rounds promise epic battles among the elite, the first round already features several mouthwatering clashes. With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by a wrist injury, the spotlight intensifies on Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, and a deep field of contenders and dangerous floaters. Clay’s slow, grinding nature often produces long, thrilling matches right from the start, and even potential upsets.
Here are the five most compelling men’s first-round matchups you don’t want to miss out on:
Five Best Men’s First Round Matches at the 2026 French Open
Novak Djokovic vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
The almost 39-year-old Novak Djokovic, a three-time French Open champion chasing a record-extending 25th major title, opens against the massive-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Djokovic has played just one match on clay this season, and with such limited preparation, he might have to deal with some rust early on.
Even on clay, the tall Frenchman’s serve can generate free points, and it should be a great battle of his serve against arguably the greatest returner of all time. Djokovic has been handed a very tough draw, so he will not be looking to spend much time and energy in the first round. But will he wrap this up in straight sets, or can Mpetshi Perricard make this interesting? This match will most likely be played on a packed Court Philipe-Chatrier, where the French support will create an electrifying atmosphere.
Alexander Zverev vs Benjamin Bonzi
With two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz out due to a right wrist injury, the 2026 French Open field is significantly more open for everyone else. Zverev, the World No.3 (and No.2 seed), has long been viewed as one of the top clay-court threats outside the very elite. He reached the 2024 final (lost to Alcaraz in five sets), has strong career clay stats, and has been a consistent deep runner at Roland Garros. This is another great shot for him at a maiden Grand Slam title. Jannik Sinner is the massive favorite, but Zverev sits as the second choice.
The absence of Alcaraz removes one massive roadblock for him, but it also adds pressure to at least reach the finals, which is not easy to deal with. Not easy is also his first-round match against home player Benjamin Bonzi, who is a dangerous floater and has pulled off notable upsets in the past. Though this is Bonzi’s weakest surface, he is one of the few players to have won a set against Sinner this season. The home support could elevate Bonzi’s game, which can either bring out the best of Zverev or a potential upset. Regardless, it promises to be a fun match.
