PARIS (AP) The highly anticipated French Open is set to commence this Sunday, featuring an exciting lineup for tennis fans around the globe. This guide outlines essential viewing information, betting odds, the tournament schedule, defending champions, and more for this iconic clay-court tournament taking place in 2025.
When does the French Open start?
Play at the French Open begins on Sunday at 11 a.m. local time, which translates to 5 a.m. ET.
Where can I watch the French Open on TV?
In the United States, viewers can catch the matches on TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max. This year marks the beginning of a significant 10-year, $650 million deal for broadcast rights. For those outside the U.S., more coverage options are available as detailed here.
This is the first French Open since Rafael Nadal's retirement
This year's tournament represents a historic moment, being the first since the retirement of Rafael Nadal, affectionately known as the King of Clay. The Spaniard has the remarkable record of 14 championships at the French Open, more than any player in history. A special ceremony will honor Nadal on Sunday at Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Who are the French Open’s defending champions?
The defending champions are Iga Swiatek from Poland and Carlos Alcaraz from Spain. Swiatek claimed her third consecutive title by defeating Jasmine Paolini with a score of 6-2, 6-1 in just 1 hour and 8 minutes. Alcaraz triumphed over Alexander Zverev in a gripping final, winning with scores of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, making him the youngest man ever to hold Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces at age 21.
Who are the top seeds at Roland-Garros?
Aryna Sabalenka heads into the tournament as the top-seeded woman, while Jannik Sinner is the top-seeded man. Both players are currently ranked No. 1 in their respective divisions, with the tournament seedings aligning with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings.
Who are the betting favorites at Roland-Garros?
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz are the betting favorites to win their respective singles titles. Sabalenka is positioned at +275, while Alcaraz stands at +105, followed closely by Sinner at +200. Iga Swiatek, with four out of the last five women’s titles in Paris, is cited as the second choice at +350.
Is the tournament called the French Open or Roland-Garros?
Both names refer to the same prestigious event, though English speakers commonly use “French Open” while the French tennis federation prefers “Roland-Garros,” named after a World War I aviator whose legacy is commemorated by the venue.
Other basic facts about the clay-court major
The French Open is traditionally played outdoors on red clay courts at Roland-Garros, located on the southwestern fringes of Paris. Matches for women feature a best-of-three sets format with a first-to-10 tiebreaker if the score reaches 6-all in the third set. Men's matches follow a best-of-five sets format, with a tiebreaker implemented at 6-all in the fifth set. The tournament lasts for 15 days and typically includes both day and night sessions. Court Philippe-Chatrier boasts a retractable roof to accommodate varied weather conditions.
What is the French Open singles schedule?
- Sunday through Tuesday: First Round (Women and Men)
- Wednesday-Thursday: Second Round (Women and Men)
- May 30-31: Third Round (Women and Men)
- June 1-2: Fourth Round (Women and Men)
- June 3-4: Quarterfinals (Women and Men)
- June 5: Women’s Semifinals
- June 6: Men’s Semifinals
- June 7: Women’s Final
- June 8: Men’s Final
What is the prize money at the 2025 French Open?
This year, total player compensation at the French Open amounts to 56.352 million euros (approximately $62.5 million), including per diems and payments to former players participating in exhibitions. Each singles champion will receive 2.55 million euros (around $2.8 million).
For those looking to assess their knowledge of the French Open, the Associated Press has created a fun quiz to test your expertise. The faster you respond, the higher your score on the leaderboard.
As the tournament kicks off, several key stories and narratives will certainly shape the competition, including the absence of stars like Rafael Nadal and the rising profiles of young players such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The atmosphere at Roland-Garros promises to be electric as fans flock to watch the world’s best compete on one of tennis's grandest stages.
