The buzz around clay court season is already building as Roland-Garros prepares to return with another chapter of drama, brilliance and red-dusted glory. The French Open 2025 is poised to serve up surprises on and off the courts of Paris.
The tournament remains one of the sport’s most grueling tests, demanding not just talent but grit and endurance. As tradition holds, late May will once again mark the beginning of this Grand Slam spectacle.
From crucial calendar shifts to potential headline clashes, anticipation surrounds every match point. While the world’s top seeds gear up, fans and analysts alike circle the key dates that will define this year’s clay-court narrative.
When does it start and how long does it last?
The 2025 French Open is scheduled to commence on May 25 and will run through June 8, encompassing two weeks of intense competition. Prior to the main draw, the qualifying rounds will take place from May 19 to May 24.
Alexander Zverev of Germany plays a backhand against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Men’s Singles Final match on Day 15 of the 2024 French Open. (Source: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
This round offers players the chance to secure a spot in the tournament. This annual timeline is a cornerstone of the tennis calendar and a fan-favorite stretch of the clay-court season, especially for its big prize money.
French Open 2025 dates
The official tournament dates for Roland-Garros 2025 are May 25 to June 8. The finals weekend, which usually attracts massive global viewership, is scheduled for June 7 (women’s final) and June 8 (men’s final).
Notably, this year marks the centenary of Roland-Garros as an international competition, commemorating its expansion in 1925, according to sources like Financial Times. The schedule, for now, is as follows:
First round
Sunday, May 25 – Tuesday, May 27
Men’s Singles | First Round
Women’s Singles | First Round
Men’s Doubles | First Round (begins May 27)
Second round
Wednesday, May 28 – Thursday, May 29
Men’s Singles | Second Round
Women’s Singles | Second Round
Mixed Doubles | First Round
Men’s Doubles | Second Round (May 29)
Women’s Doubles | First Round (May 29)
Third round
Friday, May 30 – Saturday, May 31
Men’s Singles | Third Round
Women’s Singles | Third Round
Men’s Doubles | Second Round (May 30) and Third Round (May 31)
Mixed Doubles | Second Round
Women’s Doubles | Second and Third Rounds
Fourth round
Sunday, June 1 – Monday, June 2
Men’s Singles | Fourth Round
Women’s Singles | Fourth Round
Men’s Doubles | Third Round (June 1) and Quarterfinals (June 2)
Mixed Doubles | Third Round
Women’s Doubles | Third Round
Quarterfinals
Tuesday, June 3 – Wednesday, June 4
Men’s Singles | Quarterfinals
Women’s Singles | Quarterfinals
Men’s Doubles | Quarterfinals
Women’s Doubles | Quarterfinals
Mixed Doubles | Third Round (June 3) and Semifinals (June 4)
Wheelchair | First and Second Rounds
Semifinals
Thursday, June 5 – Friday, June 6
Women’s Singles | Semifinals (June 5)
Men’s Singles | Semifinals (June 6)
Men’s Doubles | Semifinals (June 5)
Women’s Doubles | Semifinals (June 6)
Mixed Doubles | Final (June 5)
Wheelchair | Semifinals
Finals
Saturday, June 7 – Sunday, June 8
Women’s Singles | Final (June 7)
Men’s Singles | Final (June 8)
Men’s Doubles | Final (June 7)
Women’s Doubles | Final (June 8)
Wheelchair | Final (June 7)
Where is the French Open?
The French Open is held at the iconic Stade Roland-Garros, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France. Beyond the matches, visitors can explore attractions like the Tenniseum, indulge in gourmet food options.
Known for its elegant red clay courts and intimate atmosphere, the venue includes Court Philippe-Chatrier (the main stadium), Court Suzanne-Lenglen and the recently renovated Court Simonne-Mathieu nestled within a botanical garden.
How many players compete in the French Open?
The French Open features a robust and diverse lineup of competitors across multiple categories. In the main singles draws, 128 men and 128 women face off in a knockout format, starting from the first round and narrowing down to the finals over the course of two weeks.
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates winning match point against Alexander Zverev of Germany during the Men’s Singles Final match on Day 15 of the 2024 French Open. (Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
To earn their place in these draws, many players must battle through a tough qualifying tournament, which hosts its own field of more than 100 participants per gender. In doubles, 64 teams compete in both the men’s and women’s draws, while mixed doubles includes 32 pairs.
Additionally, junior and wheelchair tournaments bring in dozens more athletes, each adding to the richness and inclusivity of the event. Altogether, the number of players competing at Roland-Garros across all events can reach well over 600.
Rafael Nadal to be honored at the French Open 2025
On Sunday, May 25, the opening day of the 2025 French Open, Rafael Nadal will be honored with a special tribute on Court Philippe-Chatrier, following the conclusion of the day’s matches.
This ceremony marks a significant moment, celebrating his unparalleled achievements at Roland-Garros, where he secured a record 14 titles and amassed an impressive 112–4 match record over 19 appearances.
The tribute is described by tournament director Amélie Mauresmo as “sincere, authentic and true“, reflecting his humble personality. An exhibition dedicated to his legacy will be on display throughout the tournament at the Tenniseum.
Further commemorating his legacy, the Rafa Nadal Museum in Mallorca, has unveiled a new section celebrating his triumphs. The exhibit features his 14 Roland-Garros trophies and the rackets he used during each championship run.
