The French Open is kicking off in spectacular fashion! On the very first day of the tournament, Sunday, May 24, we are in for a packed program on the Parisian clay. Tennis fans from the US will have plenty to watch as several American players step onto the courts early in the tournament.
The main event of the day will undoubtedly be the defending champion, Novak Djokovic, who will experience the electric atmosphere of the famous night sessions under the lights of Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Djokovic Closes the Day Under the Lights
The tournament organizers have assigned Novak Djokovic the exclusive night session. His highly anticipated first-round match against the towering local prospect Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is scheduled for 20:15 CET (2:15 PM ET).
This means the Serbian legend will play under the closed roof (if there is rain) and artificial lighting, a setting that always creates a thrilling, football-like atmosphere in the stands of Chatrier.
Morning and Afternoon Sessions: Fritz, Opelka, and an All-American Clash
In addition to Djokovic, the daytime schedule is packed with exciting matches, especially for American tennis fans.
- Taylor Fritz takes to the court in the afternoon around 14:30 CET (8:30 AM ET) in a compelling All-American clash against the young Nishesh Basavareddy.
- At the same time, the big-serving Reilly Opelka returns to Grand Slam action, facing F. Cina.
- Earlier in the afternoon, around 14:00 CET, American M. Zheng will have a tough test against the young Croatian talent Dino Prizmic.
Among other notable matches, fans won’t want to miss Alexander Zverev taking on B. Bonzi (13:30 CET) and Tomas Martin Etcheverry facing Nuno Borges.
Complete Schedule of Key Matches (ATP Singles – May 24)
Here is the timetable for the most exciting first-round matchups (times in CET):
| Start Time (CET) | Player 1 | Player 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 | J. Duckworth (AUS) | G. Diallo (CAN) |
| 11:00 | A. Davidovich Fokina (ESP) | D. Dzumhur (BIH) |
| 13:00 | T. M. Etcheverry (ARG) | N. Borges (POR) |
| 13:30 | B. Bonzi (FRA) | A. Zverev (GER) |
| 14:00 | M. Zheng (USA) | D. Prizmic (CRO) |
| 14:30 | T. Fritz (USA) | N. Basavareddy (USA) |
| 14:30 | F. Cina (ITA) | R. Opelka (USA) |
| 16:00 | H. Medjedovic (SRB) | Y. Hanfmann (GER) |
| 16:00 | L. Sonego (ITA) | P.H. Herbert (FRA) |
| 20:15 | G. Mpetshi Perricard (FRA) | N. Djokovic (SRB) |
Follow all live scores and read more details about the tournament on our Roland Garros 2026 Ultimate Guide
