PARIS, FRANCE – The 2025 French Open, the second Grand Slam of the tennis season, is officially underway at Stade Roland Garros in Paris. The iconic clay courts are set to host two weeks of intense competition, drawing the sport’s top athletes and a passionate crowd.
- Venue & Dates: The 2025 French Open is underway at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, running for two weeks.
- Key Contenders: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are top picks for the men’s title, while Aryna Sabalenka and four-time champion Iga Swiatek lead the women’s field.
- Unique This Year: The tournament marks the first French Open in over two decades without Rafael Nadal, fundamentally changing the men’s singles dynamic.
Players to Watch
On the men’s side, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is a strong favorite to retain his title. He is expected to face significant challenges from World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who recently triumphed over Alcaraz in the Italian Open. Novak Djokovic, a three-time champion in Paris, will also be a contender, though his recent form has been inconsistent. Other players to watch include Alexander Zverev, last year’s runner-up, and Casper Ruud, a two-time finalist.
In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka is the top seed, but the conversation heavily revolves around four-time champion Iga Swiatek. While Swiatek has dominated Roland Garros in recent years, winning four of the last five titles, her recent clay-court form has been mixed, leading to her current ranking of fifth. This opens the door for other strong contenders like Coco Gauff, who has had a successful clay season, and Jasmine Paolini, last year’s finalist.
Key Storylines
A major talking point this year is the absence of Rafael Nadal. The “King of Clay,” with a record 14 French Open titles, officially retired last season. This marks the first time in over two decades that Nadal will not be competing at Roland Garros, fundamentally shifting the dynamic of the men’s singles tournament. A tribute to Nadal is scheduled to be held on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the event.
Beyond Nadal’s absence, discussions also center on the continued rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner in the men’s game, and whether Swiatek can reassert her dominance on clay despite her recent struggles. The tournament’s total prize money stands at 56.352 million euros (approximately $62.5 million), with each singles champion receiving 2.55 million euros.
What Makes This Year Unique
The 2025 French Open stands out primarily due to the “post-Rafa” era it inaugurates. His unprecedented dominance on the red clay has been a constant for nearly two decades, and his absence leaves a void and creates an open field with new opportunities for other players.
The tournament will continue its recently implemented Sunday start for main-draw action, aiming to spread out high-profile matches across the initial days. Furthermore, a new giant, free fan zone will be set up on the Place de la Concorde from June 4-9, offering entertainment, match broadcasts, and catering for fans outside the stadium, a new addition for 2025. This, combined with the tournament’s unique clay surface, known for slowing down the ball and extending rallies, ensures a distinctive and demanding challenge for all competitors.
