Novak Djokovic scripted history by breaking Roger Federer’s incredible world record as he won his second-round match in the 2026 French Open in what was a record 120th appearance for him at Roland Garros. The Seriban reached the Round of 32 with a four-set victory at the iconic Court Philippe Chatrier on Wednesday (May 27) by a 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (9-7), 6-3 margin against France’s Valentin Royer in a match that lasted three hours and 28 minutes.
Djokovic has reached the third round at Roland Garros for the 21st time in his career, a tally no one else can match. The 39-year-old is looking to win a historic 25th Grand Slam title and a fourth French Open trophy. He is also looking to end a nearly three-year wait to win a major title.
Novak Djokovic Creates History
Djokovic became the first player to play 120 matches at a single Grand Slam event. The record was previously held by Roger Federer, who set the record during his incredible career at Wimbledon, which also saw him lift the title eight times. Meanwhile, Nadal held the record at the French Open, which the Serbian broke last year.
Most Matches Played At A Single Grand Slam Event In Men’s Singles
| Player | Matches Played | Grand Slam |
| Novak Djokovic | 120 | French Open |
| Roger Federer | 119 | Wimbledon |
| Roger Federer | 117 | Australian Open |
| Rafael Nadal | 116 | Roland Garros |
| Novak Djokovic | 115 | Australian Open |
| Novak Djokovic | 115 | Wimbledon |
| Jimmy Connors | 115 | Us Open |
Meanwhile, Djokovic’s victory and qualification for the Round of 32 mean he will play the third round at Roland Garros for the 21st time in his career, and all of them have come in consecutive years. This also equalled Federer’s record for the most appearances at this stage of a single major in men’s singles.
Most Round of 32 Appearances In A Single Grand Slam Event
| Player | Round of 32s Played | Grand Slam |
| Novak Djokovic | 21 | French Open |
| Roger Federer | 21 | Australian Open |
| Novak Djokovic | 19 | Wimbledon |
| Novak Djokovic | 18 | French Open |
| Roger Federer | 18 | Wimbledon |
| Rafaeal Nadal | 17 | French Open |
Djokovic will play a Round of 32 at a major event for the 77th time in his career, which extends his record. Federer is second on the list. The 20-time Grand Slam winner played the third round at major events 74 times in his career.
Meanwhile, the Serbian will become the fourth-oldest player (39 years, 5 days) to play a Round of 32 match at the Roland Garros after Richard Pancho Gonzales (40y 18d, 1968), Roger Federer (39y 296d, 2021), and Istvan Gulyas (39y 222d, 1971).
The Serbian has become only the second player in history, behind Federer (21 years) to reach the Round of 32 over a timespan of more than two decades. Djokovic made his maiden appearance in the third round of the year’s second major in 2006.
In fact, as a result of today’s win, the 24-time Grand Slam winner has appeared at the Round of 32s at the Grand Slams over a timespan of 7464 days since his maiden outing in the 2005 Wimbledon. Only Federer has played the third round over a longer span (7833 days between 2000 Wimbledon and 2021 Wimbledon).