Djokovic: Experience Against Challenges
At 38 years old, Novak Djokovic still embodies the absolute quest for excellence. Winner of 24 Grand Slam titles, he began Roland-Garros 2025 with authority. His initial success against Mackenzie McDonald (6-3, 6-3, 6-3) confirmed his physical form. Then he overcame Corentin Moutet (6-3, 6-2, 7-6 [1]), in a tense atmosphere. Despite a blister on his foot and the boos of a sometimes hostile crowd, Djokovic found a source of energy in adversity. He spoke emotionally about the absence of Rafael Nadal, recalling the intensity of their rivalry. Moreover, he emphasized the deep respect that unites them. His game remains impressive in tactical mastery, especially on return of serve.
Sinner: The Return of the World Number One
At 23 years old, Jannik Sinner returns to the forefront after a controversial suspension. World number one, he displays a dazzling form. His first round against Arthur Rinderknech (6-4, 6-3, 7-5) laid the foundations for a solid comeback. In the second round, he ended the career of Richard Gasquet (6-3, 6-0, 6-4), saluting the Frenchman’s longevity. Originally from South Tyrol, Sinner impresses with his icy calm and baseline rhythm. His goal is clear: to win his first trophy at Roland-Garros.
Gasquet: A Celebrated Career
Born in Béziers in 1986, Richard Gasquet has been one of the faces of French tennis for two decades. His one-handed backhand has marked generations. At 38 years old, he bowed out against Sinner, concluding a career marked by 16 titles and 570 singles victories. The central court gave him a standing ovation, with emotion. Gasquet spoke of a "blessed era," shared with Tsonga, Monfils, and Simon. His natural elegance, love of the game, and loyalty to the circuit will remain.
Jacquemot: The Rising French Star
Elsa Jacquemot, 21 years old, stirs the hopes of French women’s tennis. Coming from the FFT training center, she eliminated Maria Sakkari (6-3, 7-6 [4]), former world number 3. This success was followed by a solid performance against Alycia Parks (6-2, 6-7 [4], 6-1). With a complete game and excellent court coverage, she is set to face Loïs Boisson. This French duel guarantees a French representative in the round of 16.
Monfils: The Tireless Showman
Gaël Monfils, now a veteran at 38 years old, remains one of the favorites of the Parisian crowd. Against Hugo Dellien, he offered a spectacular comeback after losing two sets. His 12th five-set victory at Roland-Garros testifies to extraordinary endurance. Facing Jack Draper, he lost in four sets but thrilled the Philippe-Chatrier court. Known for his athletic style, charisma, and acrobatic moves, Monfils remains a living legend of French tennis.
Draper: The Rise of a Future Great
At 22 years old, Jack Draper embodies the British succession. A powerful left-hander with a devastating serve, he eliminated Mattia Bellucci and Gaël Monfils. Draper combines youthful exuberance with promising tactical intelligence. World number 5, he approaches this edition with a clear ambition: to establish himself permanently in the Top 5 and shine in Grand Slams. He will face young João Fonseca, another revelation of this edition.
Fonseca: The Brazilian Gem
Revelation of this tournament, João Fonseca is only 18 years old, but already shows impressive maturity. Winner of the 2023 US Open junior, he has reached a new level this year. He dominated Hubert Hurkacz (6-2, 6-4, 6-2) and defeated Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the second round. His power, especially in forehand, reaches 130 km/h. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Fonseca combines explosiveness and precision. He is already a serious contender for the coming years.
Herbert: A Notable Comeback
At 33 years old, Pierre-Hugues Herbert has had a career marked by his doubles successes, notably with Nicolas Mahut. His return to singles was celebrated. He defeated Benjamin Bonzi in five sets, breaking a negative streak. Beaten by Fonseca, he emerges from this tournament with his fighting spirit. His versatility and net play remain rare assets in modern tennis.
Mahut: An Emotional Last Dance
Nicolas Mahut, 43 years old, played his last match on the clay of Porte d’Auteuil. Winner of five Grand Slam doubles titles, he forms a legendary duo with Herbert. Recently injured, he was determined to close the loop. The crowd gave him a vibrant tribute. Mahut will remain one of the most respected doubles players on the circuit.
Humbert: A Premature Exit
Ugo Humbert, 26 years old, started with authority against Christopher O’Connell (7-5, 6-3, 7-6 [3]). His tournament abruptly ended following a slip against Jacob Fearnley, causing a calf injury. An elegant left-hander and baseline player, Humbert will need to bounce back to continue his ascent into the Top 20.
Jeanjean: First Round Elimination
Leolia Jeanjean, 29 years old, fell in the first round. Coming from an atypical path, having passed through American universities, she remains an example of tenacity. Her varied game and tactical sense make her a player closely followed by observers.
Zverev: Discreet but Effective
Alexander Zverev, 27 years old, an unfortunate finalist in 2024, returns with the ambition to overcome the final hurdle. He dismissed Learner Tien with authority. Less exposed in the media, he remains one of the most consistent hitters on the circuit. His ability to dominate on slow surfaces makes him a solid contender.
Navone: The Argentine Outsider
Mariano Navone, 23 years old, made a name for himself on the Challenger circuit before breaking through on the main circuit. In Paris, he reached the third round before falling to Lorenzo Musetti (4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2). His endurance and skill on clay are obvious assets. He could quickly establish himself as a lasting figure in Argentine tennis.
Rublev: In Search of Consistency
Andrey Rublev, 26 years old, remains an enigma. Capable of the best and the worst, he possesses one of the most feared forehands on the circuit. This year, he advances cautiously, passing the early rounds without shining. To finally lift a Major, he will need to stabilize his mindset and vary his game more.
An Edition Marked by Transitions and Transformations
Roland-Garros 2025 stands as a generational crossroads. Iconic figures like Djokovic or Monfils coexist with the vigor of Fonseca, Draper, or Jacquemot. A tournament where farewells fuel emotion and where the future is shaped with every stroke of the ball.
Beyond the raw results, this edition illustrates the permanence of a theater where each player embodies an era, a promise, or a memory. The audience remains the witness of this sporting humanity made of efforts, surpassing oneself, shadows, and lights. Thus goes Roland-Garros, always faithful to its history, always reaching towards the unexpected.