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.

Draper will make his Court Philippe-Chatrier debut in the night session against Monfils, who thrives under the lights. Last night, the 38-year-old came back from two sets down to beat Hugo Dellien 4-6 3-6 6-1 7-6(4) 6-1.

He also pulled off an escape act against Sebastian Baez in the same court slot two years ago, and on Tuesday night, Monfils admitted he’d be asking for the night match to face Draper.

“I love night sessions. I think it's fabulous. I was lucky enough to have that several times. It's just extraordinary. I try to do the best I can. I hope for the next match it will be a night session,” the former world No. 6 said.

“When [Mauresmo] asks me, I'll tell her if I'm ready to take on a night session.”

Along with Boulter and Draper, three other Brits are in action on Thursday. Jacob Fearnley faces another Frenchman, Ugo Humbert, last on Court Simonne-Mathieu.

Sonay Kartal opens play on Court 11 against Marie Bouzkova. And Cameron Norrie meets lucky loser Federico Gomez third on Court 13.