The French Open is back. One of tennis’s most iconic tournaments is set to deliver action-packed drama.
The clay courts of Roland Garros will welcome 128 men and 128 women, all chasing Grand Slam glory. This year’s event will also honour tennis legend Rafael Nadal – the most successful player in French Open history – on Day 1 of the tournament. Nadal announced his retirement from tennis last year.
Important Dates and Venue Information
The French Open runs from 25 May to 8 June in Paris, France. All matches will be played at Roland Garros, the traditional home of the clay-court major.
The women’s final is scheduled for Saturday, 7 June. The men’s final will follow on Sunday, 8 June. Full match schedules will be confirmed after the singles draw is held on Thursday.
Top Contenders for the Men’s Title
There is a strong field in the men’s draw, but two names stand out. Carlos Alcaraz (2.37) and Jannik Sinner have been the most consistent performers on clay this season.
Alcaraz, the defending champion at Roland Garros, recently claimed the Italian Open title. He beat Sinner in the final in straight sets, underlining his dominance on the surface.
However, Sinner cannot be overlooked. Now ranked world No. 1, he returned to competition in Rome after serving a three-month suspension for doping violations earlier this year. His strong run to the final suggests that he is ready to challenge for the French Open title.
Several other players will also fancy their chances. Norway’s Casper Ruud has a strong record on clay. Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev could also be threats, depending on form and fitness.
Swiatek Leads the Women’s Challenge
The women’s draw is wide open but starts with one clear favourite — Iga Swiatek. The Polish star is aiming for her fourth consecutive French Open title and her fifth in six years.
Swiatek has not been quite as dominant as usual in recent weeks. She lost in the third round of the Italian Open to Danielle Collins, raising questions about her form. Even so, her track record at Roland Garros makes her the player to beat.
Coco Gauff enters the tournament with solid form. She reached the finals in both Madrid and Rome but fell short on both occasions. Nevertheless, her powerful baseline game could carry her deep into the draw.
Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini, who beat Gauff in those finals, will also pose serious threats. Sabalenka’s aggressive style and Paolini’s speed on clay make them dangerous opponents.
Another rising star to watch is 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva. The Russian teenager reached the semifinals at Roland Garros last year. She has already won two WTA 1000 titles this season and could be set for a breakthrough Grand Slam.
Equal Prize Money on Offer
The French Open continues its commitment to equal prize money. Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will take home £2,166,912.
Runners-up will earn £1,083,456, while losing semifinalists will receive £586,341. The prize fund then decreases round by round.
What To Expect in Paris
The 2025 French Open promises high drama, fierce battles and major surprises. With a strong British presence and global stars at the top of their games, the tournament could deliver one of the most exciting editions in recent years.
For fans and punters alike, it’s also an ideal time to follow online sports betting trends. Predicting who will lift the trophies in Paris has rarely been this unpredictable.
