French Open Day Two: Alcaraz, Swiatek launch title defenses amid emotional Nadal farewell

The 2025 French Open continued with fireworks as defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek cruised through their opening rounds on Monday, while emotional tributes to Rafael Nadal's farewell ceremony reverberated across Roland Garros. 

Reigning men's champion Alcaraz began his quest to become the first man since Nadal (2019-20) to defend the French Open title with a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri.

The 22-year-old Spaniard reflected on attending Nadal's emotional farewell: "Rafa has been my idol since the beginning… To watch his last match here and be part of his ceremony was a special moment for me." 

The World No. 2 next faces Hungary's Fabian Marozsan, aiming to maintain his momentum in a wide-open draw.

World No.1 Jannik Sinner extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 15 matches, overcoming France's Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Despite trailing 4-0 in the third set, the Italian star rallied, silencing the Chatrier crowd with a stunning comeback. 

The victory marks a resilient return for Sinner, who served a three-month doping ban earlier this year after defending his Australian Open title. The three-time major champion will face French veteran Richard Gasquet in the second round.

On the women's side, three-time defending champion Swiatek weathered a second-set challenge from Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova, winning 6-3, 6-3 to extend her Roland Garros streak to 22 matches. 

Post-match, the Pole fought tears discussing Nadal's farewell: "I wouldn't call it serious crying… but there were tears. We all should be grateful for everything he's done."

The five-time Grand Slam champion's next test comes against 2021 U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu, who advanced earlier in the day.