As the clay settled on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the 2025 French Open proved itself a Grand Slam to remember. From breakout stars to the twilight of tennis legends, across the two weeks the tournament offered high drama, suprises and a glimpse of what might unfold on the grass at Wimbledon. The tournament offered not just elite tennis but signs of a generational shift, and maybe even a farewell.
Carlos Alcaraz cemented his status as hier to the clay throne with a thrilling five-set victory over Alexander Zverev in the men’s final. The 22-year-old star showed trademark resilience. Who saved three championship points in the fourth set before securing 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2) win after five hours and 29 minutes. With Rafael Nadal absent from the latter rounds for the first time in two decades, Alcaraz’s win felt like a symbolic passing of the torch.
With Rafael Nadal absent from the latter rounds for the first time in two decades, Alcaraz’s win felt like a symbolic passing of the torch.
On the women’s side, Coco Gauff continued her ascent to the top tier of the sport. After world number one Iga Świątek’s shock third-round exit, Gauff stepped up with characteristic composure, defeating Ons Jabeur in straight sets to claim her second Grand Slam title. At just 21, she’s proving herself more than a teenage prodigy, she’s a serious contender across all surfaces. Her run was not without friction, though. Her victory, however, was not without post-match drama: Aryna Sabalenka drew criticism for a thinly veiled dig at Gauff’s game during a press conference, implying that her opponent “only won because of lucky mistakes.” The comment sparked backlash online and was seen by many as unsportsmanlike. Still, Gauff refused to engage, ,letting her racket, and her record, do the talking.
While the champions delivered as expected, Roland Garros also gave rise to a new star.
France’s own Loïs Boisson stunned the tennis world with a dream run to the semi-finals. Ranked 361 at the start of the tournament, the 21-year-old wildcard is now projected to break into the top 70 after her fearless play lit up the home crowd.
One of the most poignant moments of the tournament came before the quarter-finals, when Novak Djokovic was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. The 38-year-old’s future at Roland Garros is now uncertain, especially after he admitted he was “unsure” if he would return. Meanwhile, it was Rafael Nadal’s first Roland Garros without him in competitive hopes, his retirement last year means no presence from his record-breaking 14‑title legacy. For years, Paris has been their battleground, but as they exit the stage, the likes of Alcaraz, Sinner, and Rune look poised to define the next era.
With the French Open wrapped, attention now turns to the grass court seasom, beginning in earnest with Queen’s and Eastbourne before the return to SW19. Alcaraz will look to defend his Wimbledon title, while Gauff arrives wiith serious momentum and the game to go deep. Emma Raducanu is expected to make her return at Queens for the first Women’s event there since 1973, and British fans will hope the shift to home soil and a faster surface brings better fortune than Paris. And if Djokovic is fit in time, few would bet against him making one final charge on Centre Court.
From breakthrough performances to goodbye glances, Roland Garros 2025 proved to be more than just a Grand Slam, it was a crossroads. Wimbledon is just weeks away, and with so many storylines unresolved, the summer of tennis is just heating up.
