Jannik Sinner defeats Novak Djokovic to secure his first-ever French Open final against reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz.
In a thrilling semifinal match at the 2025 French Open, top seed Jannik Sinner triumphed over the legendary Novak Djokovic with scores of 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (3), earning a spot in the final against the defending titleholder, Carlos Alcaraz.
Despite Djokovic’s status as a 24-time Grand Slam champion, he struggled to contain Sinner’s exceptional precision and powerful forehands throughout the match on the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier on Friday evening.
With this victory, Sinner proudly becomes just the second Italian male to reach a final at Roland-Garros, following the footsteps of Adriano Panatta, who won the title in 1976.
In the earlier match, Alcaraz was leading Lorenzo Musetti 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0, 2-0 when Musetti had to retire due to a leg injury.
Sinner is on the hunt for his fourth major title, while Alcaraz aims for his fifth.
Djokovic made a valiant effort to rally in the third set but ultimately faltered in the tiebreaker. An uncharacteristic error on a straightforward smash at the net left him trailing 3-0, and he lost the match on his second match point after his forehand hit the net.
“These moments are incredibly rare and special,” Sinner remarked, filled with joy following his victory.
Sinner extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 20 matches, having previously clinched titles at the US Open and the Australian Open.
Djokovic, aiming for a record-extending 38th Grand Slam final—and eighth at the French Open, where he has celebrated victory three times—spent much of the match struggling to keep up with Sinner’s speed and aggression.
A stunning cross-court two-handed backhand winner from Sinner in the vital ninth game of the third set showcased impeccable timing, earning applause even from Djokovic himself.
Sinner granted Djokovic scant opportunities, but a brief moment of hope emerged when Djokovic earned four break points in the 10th game.
The crowd rallied with chants of “Nole! Nole!” as Djokovic pushed for the break at 15-40, but Sinner held his ground, successfully saving both point attempts amid rising tensions in the stadium.
As the atmosphere grew charged, spectators began to shush rowdy fans disrupting Sinner’s serve with loud interruptions.
After Djokovic’s forehand went wide on his third break-point opportunity, the chair umpire, Damien Dumusois, intervened to inspect the line. Djokovic fervently protested, claiming, “It’s on the line.” In a brief exchange at the net, Sinner and Djokovic discussed the moment, but Sinner maintained his composure to save yet another set point.