French Open 2025: Everything You Need to Know

As the excitement builds for the 2025 French Open, one of the most prestigious events in the tennis calendar, all eyes will turn to Roland Garros in Paris from May 25 to June 8, 2025. The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is the premier clay court tennis tournament and the second Grand Slam of the year. Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or a casual observer, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s tournament.

The Parisian Stage: Setting the Scene for Roland Garros 2025

Located in the heart of Paris, the Stade Roland Garros is more than just a sporting venue; it’s a testament to history and passion for the game. The stadium is named after the French aviator Roland Garros, a pioneer of flight, adding a layer of national pride and historical significance to the event. At the heart of the complex lies the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier, the center court that has witnessed countless legendary moments in tennis history, from Rafael Nadal‘s unprecedented dominance to Serena Williams‘ powerful triumphs. This court stands as a symbol of the tournament’s rich heritage and the stage upon which the most crucial battles of Roland Garros 2025 will unfold. The very composition of the red clay courts contributes to the tournament’s unique character. Crafted with layers of limestone, clinker, and topped with crushed brick, this surface gives the courts their signature color and the distinctive playing properties that challenge even the best players. The slower pace and higher bounce necessitate strategic play, emphasizing spin, court coverage, and endurance over raw power. Adding to the unique atmosphere are the passionate French crowds, known for their enthusiastic support, often erupting into chants and applause, creating an electric environment unlike any other Grand Slam. This fervent support can be both a motivator and a pressure for the players, further shaping the narrative of the tournament.

Key Players to Watch

The men’s singles draw at Roland Garros 2025 promises thrilling competition. Leading the pack as the current World No. 1 is Jannick Sinner, who will be aiming to translate his top ranking into Grand Slam success on the clay. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz remains a formidable force on this surface. Veteran Novak Djokovic continues his relentless pursuit of more major titles. A strong group of contenders, including Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud (fresh off his Madrid Open victory), and the talented Jack Draper, are also expected to be in the mix for the prestigious Coupe des Mousquetaires.

The Absence of Nadal: A Tournament Without the King of Clay

For the first time in years, Rafael Nadal, the legendary “King of Clay,” will not be participating in the French Open in 2025. While Nadal won’t be taking the court, he will still be present at Roland Garros, supporting the tournament and inspiring future generations.

Amélie Mauresmo, the French tennis icon and tournament director of Roland Garros, remarked, “Rafael’s absence is a huge void, but his legacy at Roland Garros is everlasting. His influence remains a cornerstone of this tournament, and his spirit will undoubtedly be felt.“

While we will miss the Spanish legend’s incredible performances, the French Open will continue to showcase top-tier tennis, with young stars ready to step into his shoes.

French Open winners last 10 years:

Year	Men’s Champion
2024	Carlos Alcaraz
2023	Novak Djokovic
2022	Rafael Nadal
2021	Novak Djokovic
2020	Rafael Nadal
2019	Rafael Nadal
2018	Rafael Nadal
2017	Rafael Nadal
2016	Novak Djokovic
2015	Stan Wawrinka

Breaking Down the 2025 French Open Prize Money – A Truly Lucrative Tournament!

The French Open 2025 will have a total prize pool of €49.6 million, which is expected to be in line with previous years.

Men’s & Women’s Singles Champion: €2.3 million (approx. $2.5 million USD)

Runner-Up: €1.2 million (approx. $1.3 million USD)

First-Round Prize: €60,000 (approx. $65,000 USD)

This Grand Slam rewards players for their hard work, stamina, and incredible performances on the court! Let’s break it down to see just how much the winners can make—and how the prize money compares to other major events in sports.

Men’s and Women’s Singles Champions: Each winner will pocket a massive €2.3 million (approx. $2.5 million USD). Now, imagine earning €7,142 every minute you’re on the court. That’s the level of reward the champions could achieve if they reach the final and play out the full two weeks of action.

Hourly Breakdown: For the full 2-week tournament, if the winner spends about 5 hours on the court in total, they would earn over €42,000 per hour of play. This isn’t just winning matches; it’s a monumental financial return for every minute spent playing!

What About First-Round Players? Even for those who don’t make it past the first round, the French Open remains highly rewarding. First-round losers will still take home €60,000, which, for just a single match, is a pretty solid return.

Semifinalists and Runners-Up: For those who reach the semi-finals, the prize jumps to around €700,000, a huge payout that calculates to €8,000 per match. The runners-up aren’t far behind, with €1.2 million awaiting them for making it to the final.

The prize money at Roland Garros doesn’t just add excitement to the competition—it makes the French Open one of the most financially rewarding tournaments in the tennis calendar. The breakdown shows that the winner’s per-minute earnings are truly staggering, and even players who don’t go the distance are still handsomely rewarded for their efforts.

French Open 2025 Prize Money Breakdown:

Stage	Prize Money	Per Hour Played	Per Minute Played
Singles Champion	€2.3 million ($2.5M)	€42,000/hour	€7,142/minute
Runner-Up	€1.2 million ($1.3M)	€22,000/hour	€3,700/minute
Semifinalists	€700,000 ($760K)	€8,000/hour	€1,333/minute
First-Round Losers	€60,000 ($65K)	€12,000/hour	€200/minute

The bottom line? Tennis at Roland Garros is a serious financial opportunity—not only for the champions but for every player making it to Paris. Whether it’s earning €7,142 every minute or €8,000 for each match, the stakes are high for every competitor who steps onto the clay.

Roland Garros and the City of Paris:

Roland Garros is not just a tennis tournament; it’s a celebration of Paris itself. Nestled in the heart of the city, the iconic venue is surrounded by the charm of the 17th arrondissement and is easily accessible to fans eager to witness tennis history. From the gravel courts to the night sessions at Court Philippe-Chatrier, the tournament is a unique experience that combines sport, culture, and Parisian flair.

French Open Records & Traditions:

The French Open is steeped in history and tradition. Rafael Nadal’s unparalleled dominance at Roland Garros, with his remarkable 14 titles, remains a landmark achievement in the sport.

The tournament is renowned for its challenging clay courts, which demand exceptional stamina, strategic prowess, and a unique skillset from its competitors. It is a stage where legends are forged and enduring records are etched into tennis history.

Where to Watch the French Open 2025:

Want to catch the action live? Check out our Where to Watch page, where we’ll provide daily updates on channels and broadcasters so you can tune in to every match, no matter where you are.

The Men’s Competition Awaits

The men’s singles at the 2025 French Open promises to deliver some of the most thrilling moments in tennis. While we will miss Rafael Nadal on the court, there are still many exciting players and stories to watch. With Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jannick Sinner leading the charge, the tournament is shaping up to be an unforgettable one.

Keep an eye on the live ATP ranking as the event draws closer! Then, catch all the action live on 365Scores.