Novak Djokovic has been shunted to the second showcourt at the French Open after failing to get on Philippe-Chatrier. Instead, Jannik Sinner will face retiring Richard Gasquet in the day session men’s match, while Jack Draper vs Gael Monfils has been given night session billing.
Monfils thrives in the evening slot and had already shared his wish to face Draper at 8.15pm on Thursday, revealing he’d be speaking with tournament director Amelie Mauresmo. It’s a mini British invasion on the main stadium court at Roland Garros, with Katie Boulter also getting on Chatrier.
Organisers were always going to have a nightmare on their hands when planning Thursday’s order of play with plenty of big stars and French players in action.
And it’s come at the expense of Djokovic, who will be playing on Court Suzanne-Lenglen for the first time at the tournament since 2022.
On his way to the title in 2023, he played all seven of his matches on Chatrier. Last year, Djokovic also made it to the main stage for every round up until he withdrew before the quarters.
But he still has good memories on Lenglen, playing and winning two matches there three years ago. In the third match on that court on Thursday, he will hope to seal another easy victory over entertaining Frenchman Corentin Moutet.
No. 2 seed and former finalist Coco Gauff will also be on Lenglen, second in the day. Over on the 15,000-strong Court Philippe-Chatrier, play will open with an all-American battle between Jessica Pegula and Ann Li.
World No. 1 Sinner then takes on Gasquet, a former top-10 player and home favourite who is retiring at this tournament. Their match will be followed by British No. 1 Boulter vs seventh seed Madison Keys.
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