Jannik Sinner, the world number one, solidified his status as a top contender at Roland Garros 2025 by defeating French veteran Richard Gasquet in straight sets, 6/3, 6/0, 6/4, on Thursday, May 29, in Paris. The second-round match marked Gasquet’s final appearance on the professional circuit after 22 participations in the tournament. Sinner, displaying commanding form, progressed to the round of 16, where he will face Czech player Jiri Lehecka. Played on the Philippe-Chatrier court, the match showcased Sinner’s precision and disappointed local fans hoping for a final victory from the retiring Frenchman. The win strengthens Sinner’s campaign for a second Grand Slam title this season.
The match was swift, lasting just over two hours. Gasquet, aged 38, struggled to match the intensity of the 23-year-old Italian. Despite vocal support from the crowd, Sinner dictated the pace from the outset.
- Match stats: Sinner converted 4 of 7 break points and hit 28 winners.
- Gasquet’s farewell: The Frenchman retires with 16 ATP titles and three Grand Slam semifinals.
- Next opponent: Jiri Lehecka defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in four sets.
The day also featured other notable results, including Alexander Zverev’s hard-fought win over Jesper De Jong in four sets.
Italian dominance on Philippe-Chatrier
Sinner took the court exuding confidence as the world’s top-ranked player. Fresh off his Australian Open title in 2025, he displayed consistency in baseline rallies and capitalized on Gasquet’s errors. In the first set, he broke the Frenchman’s serve in the fourth game to close 6/3. The second set was a rout, with Sinner delivering a “bagel” (6/0) as Gasquet struggled with mobility. The third set saw a brief resurgence from the veteran, but Sinner stayed composed to seal the victory.
The packed crowd gave Gasquet a standing ovation at the match’s end. The emotional Frenchman waved to fans, marking the close of a 20-year career.
Farewell to a French icon
Richard Gasquet, renowned for his one-handed backhand, leaves Roland Garros with a storied legacy. He reached the quarterfinals in Paris in 2016 and was a semifinalist at Wimbledon (2007, 2015) and the US Open (2013). In this edition, Gasquet competed via a wild card, as his current ranking outside the top 100 did not secure direct entry.
The match against Sinner was his 22nd appearance in the tournament’s main draw. Gasquet won 636 matches in his career, claiming 16 titles, with his last trophy in Auckland in 2023.
- Career stats: 636 wins, 16 titles, 3 Grand Slam semifinals.
- Roland Garros record: 22 appearances, best result quarterfinals (2016).
- Final match: Loss to Sinner in 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Other second-round highlights
The men’s draw at Roland Garros 2025 saw significant action in the second round. Alexander Zverev, world number three, faced a tougher challenge against Dutchman Jesper De Jong but prevailed in four sets (3/6, 6/1, 6/2, 6/3). The German, who won the title in 2024, aims to build momentum after a shaky start.
Jiri Lehecka, Sinner’s next opponent, overcame Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in four sets (6/3, 3/6, 6/1, 6/2). The 23-year-old Czech is on an upward trajectory and could test the Italian.
Frenchman Arthur Fils, aged 20, also advanced, outlasting Jaume Munar in a five-set battle (7/6, 7/6, 2/6, 0/6, 6/4). His win boosts local hopes for a new generation to succeed retiring stars like Gasquet.
Upsets and early exits
The second round produced several surprises. Australian Alex De Minaur, the ninth seed, fell to Alexander Bublik in five sets (2/6, 2/6, 6/4, 6/3, 6/2). Bublik’s unpredictable style disrupted the favored De Minaur, securing a notable victory.
Portuguese player Henrique Rocha, 21, pulled off another upset, defeating 19th seed Jakub Mensik in five sets (2/6, 1/6, 6/4, 6/3, 6/3). Competing in his first Roland Garros, Rocha emerges as a potential breakout star.
- Notable upsets:
- Bublik defeats De Minaur, ninth seed.
- Rocha ousts Mensik, 19th seed.
- Lehecka beats Davidovich Fokina, 26th seed.
Sinner’s Roland Garros history
Jannik Sinner has steadily improved in Paris. In 2020, at age 19, he reached the quarterfinals, losing to Rafael Nadal. In 2024, he advanced to the semifinals, where Carlos Alcaraz defeated him. In 2025, Sinner is a leading favorite, particularly with Nadal sidelined by injury.
Sinner holds a 14-3 win-loss record at Roland Garros. His 2025 campaign remains flawless, with no sets dropped in the first two rounds.
Tournament conditions in 2025
Roland Garros 2025 retains the demanding nature of clay courts. The slower surface tests endurance and strategy. On Thursday, Paris saw mild weather, with temperatures around 18°C, ideal for extended rallies.
The tournament introduced upgrades, including expanded roofing on the Suzanne-Lenglen court, ensuring uninterrupted play during rain. The total prize money increased by 8% from 2024, reaching 53.5 million euros, with 2.4 million euros awarded to the singles champions.
- Tournament details:
- Surface: Clay.
- Prize money: 53.5 million euros.
- Weather: 18°C, no rain.
Performance of seeded players
Beyond Sinner and Zverev, other seeds progressed. Andrey Rublev, the 17th seed, defeated Adam Walton in straight sets (7/6, 6/1, 7/6). The Russian, often volatile, maintained focus to advance.
The men’s draw remains highly competitive, with young talents challenging established names. Nadal’s absence, as a 14-time champion, creates opportunities, but Sinner and Zverev lead the pack.
Key upcoming matches
The third round promises intense battles. Sinner’s clash with Lehecka will test his consistency, given the Czech’s recent form. Zverev faces an opponent yet to be confirmed but is favored due to his Grand Slam experience.
Arthur Fils aims to sustain his momentum against tougher competition, while players like Bublik and Rocha could deliver further surprises.
Gasquet’s legacy in French tennis
Gasquet, alongside Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils, defined a golden era for French tennis. His elegant style and technical prowess won global admiration. In Roland Garros, he faced titans like Nadal and Djokovic, creating lasting memories for fans.
Months before the tournament, Gasquet announced his retirement, choosing Paris for his farewell. His final match, though a loss, concluded with a heartfelt ceremony on court, where he received tributes from organizers and peers.
Clay court dynamics in 2025
The clay of Roland Garros remains a unique challenge in tennis. The surface demands physical stamina and tactical acumen, favoring players with strong movement and patience. Sinner’s power and consistency suit the conditions, while Gasquet thrived on finesse throughout his career.
The 2025 edition underscores a generational shift, with Sinner, Lehecka, and Fils taking center stage. The retirements of veterans like Gasquet signal a new chapter for the sport.
Men’s draw by the numbers
The second round confirmed the strength of top players but highlighted the tournament’s unpredictability. Five of the 32 seeds have been eliminated, including De Minaur and Mensik. Matches averaged 2 hours and 45 minutes, with 40% going to five sets.
- Round stats:
- 5 seeds eliminated.
- 40% of matches to five sets.
- Average match duration: 2h45.
Looking to the round of 16
The round of 16 is shaping up, with Sinner and Zverev as frontrunners. Rublev and Fils remain in contention, aiming to make deep runs. The tournament, running until June 8, will intensify as the field narrows.
French fans, now without Gasquet, rally behind Fils and other young talents. Sinner, with his polished game and focused mindset, continues to be the player to watch.