Novak Djokovic still chasing elusive French Open title

Djokovic, who has lost the past two finals in the tournament and three altogether, is playing in the event for the 12th time and would set a record for most appearances at Roland Garros Stadium before winning the title in the Open era.

Four players — Stan Wawrinka last year, Roger Federer in 2009, Andre Agassi in 1999 and Andres Gomez in 1990 — all won on their 11th appearance.

Goran Ivanisevic holds the Open era Grand Slam record of needing 14 attempts before winning Wimbledon in 2001.



Since the start of 2015, Djokovic is 119-9 overall, winning four majors and 16 titles — including a tour-leading five this year.

Defending champion Serena Williams is bidding for her fourth Roland Garros title and needs one more major to equal Steffi Graf’s record for the Open era, and three more to match Margaret Smith Court’s all-time mark of 24 majors.

The 34-year-old American, who will open against 76th-ranked Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia, has never won back-to-back French Open titles.

From pat-downs at entrance gates to a 25 percent rise in the number of security agents, there is an obvious increase in protective measures at the tournament, about six months after terrorist attacks around the French capital.

The ATP and WTA rankings of June 6 — the day after the men’s final in Paris — will be the basis for Summer Games qualification.