Novak Djokovic vs Mackenzie McDonald Prediction 5/27/25 French Open Tennis Picks

Novak Djokovic and Mackenzie McDonald meet in the first round of the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27. Here’s our Novak Djokovic vs Mackenzie McDonald prediction. This preview will also include a Novak Djokovic vs Mackenzie McDonald pick.

Novak Djokovic Preview

Novak Djokovic is the sixth seed at this year’s French Open. He will start his campaign against American Mackenzie McDonald in what will be their first-ever meeting. Djokovic is a three-time champion of the French Open and the only male player in the last two decades, outside Rafael Nadal, to win this tournament multiple times. Last year, Djokovic reached the quarterfinals but withdrew before his match against Casper Ruud because of a torn meniscus in his knee. He had to undergo surgery but would return less than two months later to the same venue to win a historic gold medal for his country.

Technically, Djokovic has not lost a match at the clay-court Grand Slam since 2022 against his great rival Nadal. He won the 2023 edition and withdrew before the last eight last season. So he is undefeated in three years. He arrives this week on the back of a milestone 100th career title in Geneva. Djokovic became only the third man to win a century of career singles titles, emulating Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors. Djokovic has a 4-2 record in this year’s clay swing.

Mackenzie McDonald Preview

Mackenzie McDonald is unseeded at the 2025 French Open. He is ranked 98th in the world rankings, but peaked at a career-high No. 37 in the past. McDonald has played at Roland Garros in six main draws before. His best achievement was reaching the third round in 2022. The American was beaten in the opening round in each of the last two editions in Paris.

McDonald arrives for this year’s tournament with a 1-3 record on clay. His solitary win was in Houston, where he defeated Daniel Galan in three sets. He has since lost three matches and retired in Madrid. This will be his first outing in over a month. McDonald has posted a 16-11 record this season.

Novak Djokovic vs Mackenzie McDonald Head-To-Head

Djokovic and McDonald have no history at this level. This will be their first meeting.

Novak Djokovic vs Mackenzie McDonald Prediction

Djokovic has a very good draw here, and I think you would be mistaken in writing him off as one of the favorites. He’s confident and in rhythm after a very important week in Geneva, where he won his first matches on clay this season and his first title since the Olympics. McDonald hasn’t played since the Madrid Open, over a month ago, and doesn’t fancy himself on clay courts. Even with Djokovic past his peak, I expect a comprehensive win from the 24-time Grand Slam champion. 

Nur Said's Pick: Djokovic to win AND under 27.5 games