French Open 2025: Sinner Faces Gasquet Farewell, Djokovic Sharpens Blade, Gauff and Andreeva Eye Deep Runs
The French Open 2025 continues with high drama, legacy moments, and rising stars taking center stage on Thursday. With Jannik Sinner preparing to share the court with a retiring legend, Novak Djokovic seeking yet another Grand Slam, and Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva pushing toward second-week contention, Roland Garros is buzzing with emotion, excellence, and expectations.
From storied veterans to teenage phenoms, Thursday’s lineup is a compelling mix of past, present, and future. Here’s a full breakdown of the key matchups, player trajectories, and what fans can expect as the clay-court major intensifies.
Jannik Sinner vs Richard Gasquet: A Generational Clash on Clay
Jannik Sinner, the newly minted World No. 1, is set to face Richard Gasquet, a French tennis icon playing his 22nd and final Roland Garros. The matchup is more than a contest—it’s a symbolic handover between generations.
Gasquet, at 38 years old, receives a hero’s farewell from a home crowd that has adored him since he turned pro at just 15. Sinner, just 23, is the embodiment of the sport’s new era.
“I know you’re going to support him—it’s OK,” Sinner told fans after his first-round win over Arthur Rinderknech. “I’m just happy to share the court with him.”
While the Italian enters the match as the overwhelming favorite, having defeated Rinderknech in four sets in the first round, the emotional weight of Gasquet’s farewell could stir unexpected drama.
Sinner’s Road to Roland Garros
Despite being the top seed, Sinner is still regaining rhythm after a three-month absence due to a doping-related suspension. Since returning, he’s reached the final at the Italian Open, falling to defending French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz.
That match highlighted both Sinner’s world-class shot-making and the lingering rust from his layoff. Against Gasquet, he’ll aim to fine-tune his clay-court game before deeper challenges arrive.
Richard Gasquet versus Jannik Sinner is on right now 🔥#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/VIEpIb4PY1
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2025
Novak Djokovic Eyes Title No. 25 in Crucial Second-Round Clash
Few players command attention like Novak Djokovic, and this year he’s chasing history once again. After securing his 100th ATP title last week, Djokovic enters the second round at Roland Garros looking to stay sharp in his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam.
Standing in his way is crafty Frenchman Corentin Moutet, known for his touch, flair, and occasional theatrics. Playing on home soil, Moutet promises to test the sixth seed’s movement and patience—particularly in front of a passionate Parisian crowd.
“I don’t know how many more Grand Slams I’ve got left,” Djokovic admitted after his opening-round win. “So I’m making sure every step in my preparation is on point.”
At 37, Djokovic is managing his body carefully, pacing himself through the early rounds. Yet even in preservation mode, the Serbian remains a force capable of flipping matches in moments.
Everything you need to know ahead of this fifth day of competition ⤵️#RolandGarros
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2025
Coco Gauff Sets Sights on First Roland Garros Crown
Coco Gauff, the second seed and 2022 Roland Garros finalist, is back with renewed purpose. After reaching the finals in Madrid and Rome, Gauff is considered one of the top contenders for this year’s French Open title.
In her opening round, the American starlet endured a comedic mishap—arriving on court without any racquets. Laughing it off, she still cruised to victory and now meets Czech qualifier Tereza Valentova in the second round.
“Honestly, it helped me relax,” Gauff said. “The first round is always the most nerve-racking. After that, you feel more in rhythm.”
Gauff’s combination of explosive athleticism and improved clay-court tactics makes her a serious threat. With Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka also in the draw, every round matters for positioning and confidence.
Mirra Andreeva: The Teenage Titan Returns
At just 18 years old, Mirra Andreeva is already a household name in tennis. She burst into the spotlight at last year’s French Open with a stunning run to the semi-finals. Now, as a top-10 seed, the Russian returns with more experience and expectations.
After capturing WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells earlier this year, Andreeva is playing with unmatched confidence. Her second-round opponent, Ashlyn Krueger, offers a strong test, but one Andreeva is favored to overcome.
This Grand Slam marks her first major appearance as a seeded player, and the added pressure seems to be fueling, not deterring, her ambition.
https://t.co/5iH7flt4cx pic.twitter.com/s8ymrrTERn
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2025
Other Key Players in Action on Thursday
Thursday’s schedule is packed with other marquee matchups and emerging storylines:
- Alexander Zverev (3rd seed) vs Jesper de Jong: The German powerhouse continues his quest for a maiden Slam.
- Gael Monfils vs Jack Draper (5th seed): A classic French night-session showdown on Court Philippe Chatrier. Monfils hopes for another late-night miracle after a dramatic comeback in Round 1.
- Jessica Pegula (3rd seed) vs Ann Li: An all-American battle with quarterfinal implications.
- Madison Keys (Aussie Open champion) vs Katie Boulter: The hard-hitting American looks to carry her momentum from Melbourne onto the Paris clay.
- Other stars in action: Former Grand Slam winners Marketa Vondrousova, Sofia Kenin, Barbora Krejcikova, and Victoria Azarenka all return to action.
French Open 2025: What’s at Stake This Week?
The second round of the French Open is often when the real tournament begins. Nerves are settled. Champions begin to assert dominance. And dark horses start making their runs.
- For Sinner: Proving his World No. 1 status isn’t just a number.
- For Djokovic: Every match is a step closer to the elusive 25th Slam.
- For Gauff and Andreeva: Establishing themselves as top-tier contenders in a competitive women’s field.
- For Gasquet: A final farewell on home soil, where legends are celebrated and remembered.
Get your popcorn ready 🍿
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2025
Full order of play on https://t.co/wvNRC5UQgb#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/XgrLUzxFA4
Day-by-Day Performance Tracker
Player | Round | Opponent | Result | Key Stat |
Jannik Sinner | Round 2 | Richard Gasquet | TBD | Career 89% win rate vs French players |
Novak Djokovic | Round 2 | Corentin Moutet | TBD | Seeking 25th Grand Slam title |
Coco Gauff | Round 2 | Tereza Valentova | TBD | Reached RG final in 2022 |
Mirra Andreeva | Round 2 | Ashlyn Krueger | TBD | 2 WTA 1000 titles in 2025 |
Gael Monfils | Round 2 | Jack Draper | TBD | Came back from 2 sets down in R1 |
