Jannik Sinner Dominates Gasquet in French Open Farewell, Djokovic and Gauff Advance

 World number one Jannik Sinner delivered a commanding 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over retiring French veteran Richard Gasquet in the French Open second round on May 29, 2025, at Roland Garros.

The 23-year-old Italian, fresh from defending his Australian Open title, showcased his baseline dominance and serving prowess, hitting 12 aces to end Gasquet’s 21-year career on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Gasquet, 38, received a standing ovation from 15,000 fans, marking his 1,005th ATP match and final Grand Slam appearance, retiring with one French Open semi-final (2015).

Sinner, the 2024 ATP Player of the Year, advanced to face Russia’s Pavel Kotov, with a potential quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz looming. His performance underscored his clay-court improvement, having reached the 2024 French Open semi-finals. In other matches, Novak Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam, defeated Spain’s Roberto Carballés Baena 6-4, 6-1, 6-2, maintaining his bid to reclaim the top ranking. Coco Gauff, the 2024 French Open women’s champion, cruised past qualifier Tamara Zidanšek 6-3, 6-4, setting up a third-round clash with Dayana Yastremska.

The day’s results highlighted a generational shift, with Gasquet’s exit symbolizing the end of an era. Sinner paid tribute, calling Gasquet “an inspiration for young players.” Djokovic, 38, and Gauff, 21, represent contrasting stages of tennis stardom, with the Serb eyeing history and Gauff solidifying her elite status. The French Open, with €53.5 million in prize money, continues to draw global attention, though rain delays have tested organizers. Sinner’s title credentials strengthen, but clay-court specialists like Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek remain formidable challengers.