Sports
French Farewells and Fighting Spirit Light Up a Drama Packed Day at Roland Garros
Arthur Fils survives a five-set war, Richard Gasquet bows out in style and Madison Keys keeps her Grand Slam dream alive as Paris turns up the emotion
PARIS – On a day that overflowed with drama, heart, and history, the clay courts of Roland Garros delivered yet another unforgettable chapter in the Grand Slam saga. From emotional goodbyes to breakthrough battles, May 29 reminded us all why the French Open is the most soulful stop on the tennis calendar.
The loudest roar came not from a trophy ceremony, but from Arthur Fils, the 20-year-old French hopeful who fought tooth and nail to carve out a five-set masterpiece against Spain’s Jaume Munar. His 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4), 2-6, 0-6, 6-4 victory wasn’t just a win — it was a Warrior Moment. Limping, sweating, and on the verge of collapse, Fils dug deep into the reservoir of heart that only Parisian nights seem to summon. His scream — “This is Paris, right?!” — echoed with the promise of a future champion rising under the lights of Court Suzanne-Lenglen.
Yet while one French star was being born, another was writing the final line of a glittering chapter. Richard Gasquet, 38, played his last professional match, falling in straight sets to world No.1 Jannik Sinner on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The match was less about the scoreline and more about the sentiment. Gasquet, known for his majestic one-handed backhand and quiet grace, received a standing ovation befitting a player who graced tennis with two decades of flair, resilience, and undeniable artistry.
“I’m really lucky to retire on a stage like this against the No.1 in the world,” said Gasquet. “It’s the perfect end for me.”
His career — spanning 16 ATP singles titles and three Grand Slam semifinal appearances — was a testament to style over brute force, finesse over firepower. And though he never claimed a major, his elegance made him a fan favorite, and Thursday night in Paris was his curtain call.
Elsewhere on the women’s side, Madison Keys sent a strong message that she’s not done chasing history. The reigning Australian Open champion powered through Britain’s Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-3 in a statement win. Keys, the only woman still in the running for a calendar-year Grand Slam in 2025, played with renewed confidence, blending power with poise in front of a packed crowd.
“People forget how dangerous she is on this surface,” one commentator noted. And indeed, if Keys maintains this level, her Cinderella story might just stretch all the way to New York.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva all cruised through their second-round matches, keeping the top of the women’s draw on a collision course with high-octane showdowns in the coming rounds.
On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic reminded fans why he’s still a force to be reckoned with, dispatching Corentin Moutet with ease. Alexander Zverev also advanced comfortably, while a shock unfolded on Court 14 as Alexander Bublik came from two sets down to defeat ninth seed Alex De Minaur.
With more third-round clashes set to begin on Friday, including Arthur Fils facing the mighty Andrey Rublev, the stakes are only getting higher — and the Parisian magic more intoxicating.