The 2025 French Open at Roland Garros continues to captivate tennis fans worldwide, with Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner delivering commanding performances to advance to the third round on Saturday, May 31. The Serbian legend and the Italian top seed remain on course for a potential blockbuster semifinal clash, each showcasing their resilience and skill on the clay courts of the iconic tournament.
Djokovic, the 38-year-old three-time French Open champion, faced a spirited challenge from Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the second round on Thursday. Despite needing a medical timeout for a blister on his left toe and facing a set point in a gripping third-set tiebreaker, Djokovic prevailed 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1) in a match that lasted just over three hours. The victory extended his winning streak to six matches, following his milestone 100th ATP title in Geneva last week. Djokovic, who has battled inconsistency this season, including early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, appears to be finding his rhythm at a critical time. His next test comes against Austrian qualifier Filip Misolic, who upset 27th seed Denis Shapovalov in a five-set marathon, 7-6(5), 7-6(6), 4-6, 4-6, 6-3. Djokovic, aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, expressed confidence in his form, noting his ability to stay composed under pressure against Moutet’s tricky shots and the passionate French crowd.
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner sent French veteran Richard Gasquet into retirement with a commanding 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The 23-year-old Italian, who reached the semifinals at Roland Garros last year, was clinical, winning 85% of his first-serve points and fending off three break points. Sinner’s versatility and physicality overwhelmed Gasquet, whose storied career concluded in front of an appreciative home crowd. Sinner, still seeking his first French Open title, faces Jiri Lehecka in the third round, a matchup that promises to test his consistency on clay. The Italian’s recent defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the Italian Open final adds intrigue to his Parisian campaign, with a potential rematch against the defending champion looming in the final.
Both players are navigating a challenging draw, with Djokovic projected to face third seed Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals and Sinner potentially in the semifinals, while Alcaraz remains a formidable obstacle. The third round also features other top seeds, including Zverev, Jack Draper, and Coco Gauff, ensuring a thrilling day of action. Djokovic’s schedule has drawn attention, as his night-session match against Misolic coincides with the Champions League final, prompting a lighthearted plea from the Serbian to avoid evening play so he could support PSG. Despite the scheduling conflict, Djokovic’s focus remains sharp as he chases history.