The 2025 French Open quarter-finals delivered a thrilling day of tennis on June 4, showcasing a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars battling on the iconic clay courts of Roland Garros. Fans were treated to a series of gripping matches that set the stage for an electrifying semifinal lineup in both the men’s and women’s draws.
On the women’s side, Coco Gauff, seeded second and a 2022 Roland Garros runner-up as well as the 2023 US Open champion, secured her place in the semifinals after a hard-fought three-set victory over Madison Keys (seed 7). Gauff overcame an initial setback, dropping the first set 6-7, before rallying to take the next two 6-4, 6-1. Her resilience and tactical play, particularly in the decisive final set, underscored her position as one of the sport’s brightest talents.
However, the story of the day belonged to French wildcard Loïs Boisson, a 22-year-old ranked 361st in the world and making her Grand Slam debut. Against all odds, Boisson stunned tournament favorite Mirra Andreeva (seed 6), defeating her 7-6(6), 6-3 on the hallowed Court Philippe-Chatrier. After being 5-3 and facing set point down in the first set, Boisson’s nerve and determination shone through, rallying to win the set and then maintaining momentum to claim the second. The crowd erupted in support as Boisson, who had never previously won a WTA Tour match before this tournament, secured a semifinal spot that will catapult her ranking to around 65. This remarkable run has made her the French No. 1 and the story of the tournament so far.
Boisson’s upcoming semifinal against Coco Gauff promises to be a captivating clash between the established star and the tournament’s Cinderella. Gauff’s composed performance against Keys suggests she is ready for the challenge, but Boisson’s fearless play and home crowd backing could create one of the most memorable matches in recent French Open history.
Meanwhile, the women’s other semifinal features a heavyweight showdown between Iga Świątek (seed 5), the three-time defending champion, and Aryna Sabalenka (seed 1), the world No. 1. This match marks their first meeting at Roland Garros and only their second Grand Slam encounter, with Świątek holding the previous victory from the 2022 US Open. Fans eagerly anticipate a high-quality battle that will decide who advances to the final.
Turning to the men’s draw, Novak Djokovic, seeded sixth and a 24-time Grand Slam champion, showcased a masterclass in clay-court tennis to overcome Alexander Zverev (seed 3) in four sets, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Djokovic’s tactical brilliance was on full display, particularly his use of drop shots — he executed 43 and won 30 — which consistently disrupted Zverev’s rhythm. Despite a spirited start from Zverev, who broke Djokovic’s serve early, he struggled to respond to the Serbian’s versatility and court coverage as the match progressed. Djokovic sealed the victory on his fifth match point after nearly three hours of intense play, raising his hands to the sky in relief and celebration.
Djokovic’s performance reinforces his status as one of the greatest clay-court players ever, with many experts, including fellow Roland Garros champion Mats Wilander, ranking him joint-second with Bjorn Borg on this surface. Now two wins away from a 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic’s experience and tactical intelligence continue to defy his age, as he becomes the second-oldest man to reach the Roland Garros semifinals in the Open Era.
Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 and top seed, also advanced to the semifinals with a commanding straight-sets victory over Alexander Bublik, 6-1, 7-5, 6-0. Sinner’s path to the last four has been marked by remarkable consistency and dominance, conceding very few games in each round. His recent return position adjustment has been credited with giving him better rhythm and control, and he is currently riding a 19-match winning streak in Grand Slams. Sinner’s clinical performance against Bublik, who showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately could not match the Italian’s relentless pressure, sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash against Djokovic. Their head-to-head stands evenly at 4-4, though Sinner has won the last three meetings, adding extra intrigue to their upcoming encounter.
The other men’s semifinal will see Carlos Alcaraz (seed 2) face Lorenzo Musetti (seed 8), following Musetti’s upset victory over Frances Tiafoe. This matchup promises to be a showcase of youthful energy and tactical prowess as both players seek a place in the final.
Alexander Zverev’s quarterfinal loss has sparked discussion about his recent struggles on clay. Despite a strong start in the match against Djokovic, he was unable to break Djokovic’s serve again after the opening game, a critical factor on the slow clay surface. His missed volleys and lack of net presence, which were also evident in last year’s French Open final loss to Alcaraz, proved costly against Djokovic’s tactical net play and drop shot mastery.
After his win, Djokovic spoke to the Roland Garros crowd in French, expressing his appreciation for the atmosphere and the challenge posed by Zverev. "For both players this was a fabulous atmosphere here," he said. "The last game was tactical, I tried to impose my rhythm with two or three drop shots which worked well for me. There's a lot of wind and it's really tough to have the variation and you have to hit the ball a bit harder. There were so many things to manage but it was a good outcome. Alex has been the best player in the past few rounds and I wish him a great season." He also reflected on his longevity, noting, "At my age, it's not that easy to run any more. But a match like that is one of the reasons why I still keep playing and why I love this competition."
Looking ahead, the women’s semifinals are scheduled for June 5, featuring Świątek vs. Sabalenka and Gauff vs. Boisson, while the men’s semifinals will take place on June 6, with Sinner facing Djokovic and Alcaraz meeting Musetti. The tournament is building toward a climax filled with compelling narratives — a veteran legend chasing another Grand Slam, a young world No. 1 on a winning streak, and a homegrown wildcard sensation defying all expectations.
As the clay settles and the French Open approaches its final stages, tennis fans around the world are poised for more drama, skill, and unforgettable moments at Roland Garros.
