Mackenzie Mcdonald vs Novak Djokovic ATP French Open Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips: 27/5/2025

Novak Djokovic is set to begin his latest quest for Grand Slam glory as he takes on American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round of the 2025 French Open on Tuesday. The two players are meeting for the first time at tour level, and the winner of this clash will go on to face either Corentin Moutet or Clement Tabur in the second round.

This matchup sees Djokovic, a three-time champion in Paris, arrive with renewed form and confidence. The Serbian, who made his debut at Roland-Garros two decades ago, enters this year’s tournament following a title-winning run at the Geneva Open. It marked his first ATP title of the season and the 100th overall in his storied career, providing momentum at a critical point in the calendar.

Novak Djokovic Overview

Djokovic’s 2025 season has been one of scattered form and inconsistency. After an early loss to Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final, questions emerged about his rhythm. However, the Serbian appears to have regained his footing with a four-match winning streak capped by a comeback victory over Hubert Hurkacz in Geneva’s championship match.

The Geneva Open title offered a timely lift for the world No. 1, who enters Roland-Garros with a 96–16 record at the event. Having previously lifted the French Open trophy in 2016, 2021, and 2023, Djokovic remains one of the main contenders despite a season that has lacked its usual dominance. With another title in Paris, he would move closer to yet another major milestone: his 100th match win at the tournament.

McDonald Overview

Mackenzie McDonald, currently outside the top 40 in the ATP rankings, has had a challenging transition to the European clay court season. His most recent matches have seen him exit early from tournaments in Munich and Madrid, adding to a second-round loss in Houston. In total, McDonald has posted a 1–3 record on clay in 2025.

The American enters the French Open without a win in his last three matches, failing to take a set in any of them. His only win on clay this year came against a lower-ranked opponent in early April. Given the surface, form, and the opponent he faces, McDonald will need to deliver a level of tennis far beyond his recent performances to pose a threat.

Statistical Overview and Match Outlook

The betting markets heavily favor Djokovic, with most bookmakers placing his probability of victory at over 77 percent. McDonald, by contrast, is listed with just a 22.77 percent chance of winning. These odds reflect not just Djokovic’s Grand Slam pedigree but also McDonald’s recent struggles, particularly on clay.

Key statistics ahead of the match:

• Djokovic has suffered only 16 defeats in 20 years of competing at Roland-Garros.
• He is currently riding a four-match winning streak.
• McDonald has lost his last three matches without winning a set.
• The American has only one win from his last five appearances and holds a 1–3 clay court record in 2025.

Prediction

Given current form, head-to-head context, and surface dynamics, Djokovic is expected to progress without significant resistance. While McDonald has shown competence on hard courts in the past, he remains unproven on clay against top-tier opponents. Djokovic, on the other hand, looks to be peaking at the right time, fresh off a title and aiming to build momentum in Paris.

Prediction: Djokovic to win in straight sets