Sinner sends Gasquet into retirement, Djokovic marches on

Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns the ball to France’s Richard Gasquet during their second round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris on May 29, 2025
| Photo Credit: AP

French Open veteran Richard Gasquet’s career ended in defeat by Jannik Sinner, while seasoned campaigner Novak Djokovic continued his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title by battling into the Roland Garros third round on Thursday (May 29, 2025).

Third seed Alexander Zverev, teenager Mirra Andreeva and American title contenders Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys all won on a windy afternoon but former champion Barbora Krejcikova and ninth seed Alex De Minaur crashed out.

Top seed Sinner brought the curtain down on Gasquet’s long professional journey, hammering the 38-year-old 6-3 6-0 6-4 for his second win over the local favourite in as many editions of Roland Garros and then led the tributes.

“We’re different generations, but it’s your moment. You played in such an incredible era of tennis and everyone will recognise you, even after retirement,” said Sinner, before a touching video tribute featuring Gasquet’s peers.

While Sinner and Gasquet showcased clean hitting in their match, third seed Alexander Zverev had to chase down dozens of drop shots from Dutchman Jesper de Jong before securing a 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-3 victory.

Surprise 2024 semi-finalist Andreeva took apart the powerful Ashlyn Krueger 6-3 6-4 with her inventive approach and confirmed her calibre on the sport’s slowest surface after runs to the Madrid and Rome quarter-finals this season.

“This match wasn’t easy, I’d lost to her at the U.S. Open,” Andreeva said, reflecting on her second-round defeat by Krueger in New York last August.

“She’s a powerful and aggressive player. I knew I had to play well … I suffered and struggled with my serve, but I’m happy I found a way to stay calm.”

Pegula, Krueger’s frequent doubles partner this season and the third seed, had to battle against fellow American Ann Li but found her best level when it mattered to prevail 6-3 7-6(3).

Up next for the 2024 U.S. Open runner-up is former Paris finalist Marketa Vondrousova, after the Czech sent 25th seed Magdalena Frech packing 6-0 4-6 6-3.