French Open 2025: Historic Victories and Record-Breaking Moments at Roland Garros
A Tournament for the History Books
The 2025 French Open, held at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris from May 25 to June 8, proved to be a momentous tournament. It marked the first major since the 2013 US Open where the world’s top two players contested both the women’s and men’s singles finals.
Historic Men’s Final
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz retained his title by defeating world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in an extraordinary final that lasted five hours and twenty-nine minutes – the longest final in the tournament’s history. It was Alcaraz’s second French Open title and fifth major overall.
In a remarkable display of resilience, Alcaraz came back from two sets down and saved three championship points. Both players had their chances to serve for the championship, with Sinner attempting in the fourth set and Alcaraz in the fifth.
Women’s Championship Glory
In the women’s singles, Coco Gauff emerged victorious, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final with a score of 6–7(5–7), 6–2, 6–4. This victory marked Gauff’s first French Open singles title and second major singles title overall, making her the first American to win the title since Serena Williams in 2015.
Notable Developments
The tournament sparked discussion about gender equality in scheduling, as it was the second consecutive year without women’s singles matches in night sessions on Court Philippe Chatrier. Player Ons Jabeur voiced concern, stating that ‘honouring one side of the sport shouldn’t mean ignoring the other’ and noting that ‘the women’s game has been writing its own legacy loudly, brilliantly, and for far too long without too much recognition.’
The tournament also celebrated a breakthrough performance from French wildcard Loïs Boisson, who became the first Frenchwoman to reach the singles semifinals since Marion Bartoli in 2011. Her unexpected run to the semifinals brought joy to the French supporters.
Prize Money and Tournament Status
The total prize money for the 2025 French Open reached €56,352,000, representing a 5.37% increase compared to the previous year. The tournament, which has been a Grand Slam since 1925, remains the only Grand Slam event played on clay courts. It holds particular significance as the first Grand Slam tournament to become ‘open’ in 1968, allowing both amateurs and professionals to compete.
