World No. 1 Jannik Sinner started his journey at the 2025 French Open with a dominant win over local player Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets. After the match, the Italian didn’t miss the opportunity to shoutout compatriot Gigio Donnarumma, PSG’s goalkeeper, who was in the crowd, supporting him.
“Of course, I have to, we, guys, you all have to [thank] a very special guest up there, Gigio,” he said pointing out to the PSG goalkeeper, between some cheers from the public. “Thank you for coming. He is the best goalkeeper you guys have had, so, congrats,” he said with a laugh.
Donnaruma is set to play the Champions League final with PSG on Saturday, in which Luis Enrique’s team will play against Inter Milan. The French team have already clinched the Ligue1 and the French Cup.
Meanwhile, Sinner is playing his second tournament after having to serve a three-month ban, after settling his doping case with the WADA. The World No. 1 returned officially to competition in Rome, in which he reached the final and lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
Against Rinderknech, Sinner extended to 6-0 his win-loss record over French opponents in Paris. The 23-year-old also joins Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz as the fifth player in the past 20 years with a streak of consecutive 15+ wins at Grand Slam events.
Sinner set to play Richard Gasquet
Sinner could add another local victim when he faces veteran Richard Gasquet in the second round of the French Open. Gasquet, who also had to deal with his own doping case a while ago, is set to retire after the tournament.
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The 38-year-old is a three-time major semi-finalist and a three-time ATP Masters 1000 finalist, losing all of those matches against one member of the Big Three. However, despite not winning any big tournaments, Gasquet is considered one of the most versatile players, winning 16 titles and recording over 600 wins on tour.
