DEFENDING champion Novak Djokovic will play wild card Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round of the men’s singles at next week’s French Open.

World number one Djokovic, 37, will be bidding for a record-extending 24th grand slam title at Roland Garros.

Frenchman Herbert, 33, is currently 143 in the world rankings is better known as a doubles specialist, having won four grand slam doubles titles.

Women’s world number one Iga Swiatek will launch the defence of her French Open crown against a qualifier or lucky loser in the opening round.

Former world number one Rafael Nadal, bidding for his 15th men’s singles title at Roland Garros, has been handed a tough draw as he will face German fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

World number two Jannik Sinner will play American Christopher Eubanks and two-time grand slam winner Carlos Alcaraz faces a qualifier or lucky loser.

Three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray must battle past old foe Stan Wawrinka, while British number one Cameron Norrie faces Russia’s Pavel Kotov.

British number two Jack Draper will play a qualifier/lucky loser and Dan Evans, British number three, has been drawn against Danish 13th seed Holger Rune.