French Open Begins with Defending Champions and Farewell Matches at Roland Garros

Posted : 26 May 2025

The first round of the French Open continues on Monday at Roland Garros, with defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek set to begin their title defenses. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner starts his pursuit of a fourth Grand Slam trophy. The spotlight is on Swiatek, who has won the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen four times in recent years but has struggled during this clay-court season, dropping out of the world’s top three for the first time since March 2022. She will face Slovakian Rebecca Sramkova in her opening match.

One of the most anticipated matches in the women's draw features four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka against former world No. 2 Paula Badosa. Osaka, who has never advanced past the third round at Roland Garros, will look to build on her confidence gained from winning a WTA 125 clay-court title in Saint-Malo.

Their clash was originally scheduled in Rome, but Badosa had to withdraw due to a back injury. Osaka expressed eagerness about their matchup, acknowledging Badosa’s reputation as a strong clay-court player.

In the men’s draw, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is favored to advance easily after a strong clay season that included titles in Monte Carlo and Rome. Alcaraz was initially slated to face Kei Nishikori, but the Japanese player withdrew, leading to an opening round match against Italian Giulio Zeppieri, ranked 310th. Alcaraz previously defeated Zeppieri in three sets at the 2022 Croatia Open and is expected to progress comfortably.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner will face Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech as he seeks a third consecutive Grand Slam win after returning from a three-month doping suspension. Sinner has expressed some uncertainty about his physical condition ahead of the demanding best-of-five sets format.

Monday also marks the farewell for two French stars at Roland Garros. Richard Gasquet, a former world No. 7, will play his final match against fellow Frenchman Terence Atmane before retiring. Caroline Garcia, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in 2018, will also end her career following her first-round match against American Bernarda Pera. Both players have announced that this tournament will be their last, adding a poignant note to this year’s French Open.

French Open Begins with Defending Champions and Farewell Matches at Roland Garros

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