In a clash that electrified Court Philippe-Chatrier, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner delivered a masterclass to defeat tennis legend Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3), securing his place in the 2025 French Open men’s singles final on June 6. The 23-year-old Italian’s victory over the 38-year-old Serbian icon not only marked his first Roland Garros final but also set up a blockbuster showdown against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Despite the loss, Djokovic, ever the showman, left the Parisian crowd with a smile, joking, “It’s good not to get a bagel or a breadstick from Sinner here tonight. He’s been giving those quite a bit this tournament!” His lighthearted quip, referencing Sinner’s three 6-0 and three 6-1 sets in earlier rounds, masked the disappointment of a defeat that he hinted might be his farewell to Roland Garros.
Sinner’s performance was a testament to his meteoric rise, as he extended his Grand Slam match-winning streak to 20, the youngest to achieve such a feat since Pete Sampras in 1993-94. The Italian, who has not dropped a set in Paris this year, overwhelmed Djokovic with blistering groundstrokes and laser-like precision, hitting 31 winners against just 13 unforced errors. “First of all, thank you so much for coming, for supporting us,” Sinner said to the roaring crowd, his humility shining through after a match that showcased his dominance. His victory over Djokovic, who holds a record 24 Grand Slam titles, including three at Roland Garros, was no small feat, especially given their evenly matched 4-4 head-to-head record entering the semifinal. Sinner’s recent edge, having won their last three encounters, including the 2024 Australian Open semifinal, was evident as he broke Djokovic twice in the second set and held firm in a tense third-set tiebreak.
Djokovic, despite the straight-sets loss, displayed flashes of his vintage brilliance. A 34-shot rally in the third set, capped by a pinpoint forehand pass, brought the crowd to its feet, a reminder of why he remains a titan of the sport. “These kind of matchups and challenges in a way extract the best out of me,” Djokovic had said before the match, relishing the chance to face the world No. 1 in a best-of-five Grand Slam setting. Yet, Sinner’s relentless pace and early ball-taking disrupted Djokovic’s rhythm, preventing the Serb from earning a single break point across six sets in their last two meetings. As the match concluded, Djokovic’s emotional wave to the crowd and a poignant touch of the clay hinted at a possible farewell. “This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice heavy with sentiment. “If this was the farewell match of the Roland Garros for me in my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.”
The semifinal was a microcosm of the changing guard in men’s tennis. Sinner, with three Grand Slam titles from the 2024 US Open and 2025 Australian Open, represents the future, while Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 25th major, fought to prolong his storied legacy. The Serb’s path to the semifinals was a testament to his resilience, having overcome a challenging season marked by early losses in Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, and Madrid. His quarterfinal win over Alexander Zverev, a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 masterclass featuring 43 drop shots, proved he could still compete at the highest level. “I think the win against Alcaraz and against Zverev proves to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level,” Djokovic said, reflecting on his ability to thrive in big moments. Yet, against Sinner’s near-flawless performance, even Djokovic’s tactical genius and legendary defense couldn’t turn the tide.
Sinner’s victory sets up a historic final against Alcaraz, the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 men’s final at Roland Garros since 2020. Alcaraz, who advanced after Lorenzo Musetti retired injured, holds a 4-0 edge over Sinner since 2024, including a five-set win at last year’s French Open. “He has shown now in the last period that he is back to the level,” Sinner said of Djokovic, but his focus now shifts to Alcaraz, a clay-court maestro seeking his fifth major. With €2.55 million and 2,000 ranking points at stake, Sunday’s final promises to be a defining moment. For Djokovic, the loss may mark the end of an era, but his humor and grace in defeat ensure his legacy endures, even as Sinner’s star continues to rise on the Parisian clay.
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