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French Open 2025: Jannik Sinner defeats Novak Djokovic to reach first Roland Garros final against Carlos Alcaraz | Tennis News
Jannik Sinner beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets to move into the French Open final in Paris. (AP) Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) at the French Open semi-finals on Friday, setting up a final clash with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who advanced when Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury. This victory marks Sinner’s first Grand Slam final appearance, while ending Djokovic’s quest for a record-breaking 25th major title.World number one Sinner maintained his impressive form, remaining undefeated in sets throughout the tournament. The match lasted three hours and 16 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“He is the best player in the history of our sport, playing against him here is amazing,” said Sinner. “Of course I try to not think about this but before coming on court you feel the tension.”The 23-year-old Italian showed remarkable composure, particularly when breaking back immediately after failing to serve out the second set. He hit 44 winners across the three sets and successfully defended three set points in the tenth game of the third set.Djokovic, at 38, remained resilient throughout the contest but ultimately couldn’t convert the crucial set points in the third set.“Obviously Wimbledon is next, which is my childhood favourite tournament,” said Djokovic. “I’m going to do everything possible to get myself ready. I guess my best chances maybe are Wimbledon, to win another Slam, or faster hard court, maybe Australia or something like that.”The Serbian champion reflected on his future at Roland Garros: “This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don’t know. I don’t know really what tomorrow brings in a way at this point in my career. You know, I’m going to keep on keeping on.”In the other semi-final, Alcaraz advanced when Musetti retired with a leg injury while trailing 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-0, 2-0.“It’s never great to go through or win a match when it’s like this,” said Alcaraz. “He’s done an incredible clay season. I wish him all the best, a quick recovery and that he’ll be back soon.”The 22-year-old Spaniard, seeking his fifth Grand Slam title, expressed confidence ahead of the final: “It’s been three intense weeks and now I have one step to make. I’ll give everything on Sunday, I’ve been playing great tennis this tournament.”Sinner acknowledged the challenge ahead, considering his recent record against Alcaraz, who has won their last four encounters, including the Italian Open final following Sinner’s return from a three-month doping ban.“Sunday is going to be very difficult, I know my head-to-head lately doesn’t look great against Carlos but let’s see what I can do,” said Sinner.The upcoming final marks several significant milestones. It will be the first Grand Slam final between two players born in the 2000s, with neither finalist having lost a major final before.The tournament also features a rare occurrence where the top two seeds will contest both the men’s and women’s finals, with Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff set to compete for the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen on Saturday.Musetti’s semi-final match saw him take the first set before Alcaraz gained momentum. The Italian received treatment on his left thigh during the third set, where he managed only five points in 22 minutes before retiring early in the fourth set.
Novak Djokovic hints at French Open farewell, unsure of future beyond 2025 season
At 38, Novak Djokovic went toe-to-toe with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the men’s singles semi-final of the French Open on Friday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion summoned his best on Court Philippe-Chatrier, but it wasn’t enough against Sinner, who delivered a flawless performance on the big stage. Djokovic lost a fiercely contested match in straight sets — 4-6, 5-7, 6-7 (3) after 3 hours and 16 minutes of high-intensity tennis. Djokovic appeared emotional at the end of the exhausting encounter. Before making his way off the court, the Serb set down his kitbag and waved to the crowd, thanking them for their support. In a poignant gesture, he bent down and touched the Parisian clay, perhaps hinting that this could have been his final match at Roland Garros. The moment left fans wondering, until Djokovic addressed the gesture in his post-match press conference. The three-time French Open champion admitted he may not return to Paris next year. “This could have been the last match I ever play here, I don’t know. That’s why it was a bit more emotional at the end,” he said. “But if this was my farewell match at Roland Garros, it was a wonderful one — the atmosphere and the support from the crowd were incredible. Sinner vs Djokovic semi-final Highlights “Do I wish to keep playing? Yes, I do. But will I be able to return in 12 months’ time? I’m not sure. That’s all I can say for now.” WIMBLEDON, US OPEN IN DJOKOVIC’S PLANS Djokovic has not won a Grand Slam title since his triumph in New York in 2023. He reached the Wimbledon final last year, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz. He later beat the Spaniard at the Paris Olympics to win gold on the Philippe-Chatrier court. Many expected Djokovic to hit top form after the Olympics, but the Serb has since struggled with fitness and form. He endured one of his toughest clay seasons in recent memory, falling in the second round at both the Monte Carlo and Madrid Masters 1000 events. He did manage to win an ATP 250 title in Geneva just ahead of Roland Garros. There were flashes of vintage Djokovic when he delivered a tactical masterclass to defeat third seed Alexander Zverev in four sets in the quarter-final. However, he was ultimately undone by Sinner’s sharp, clinical display in the semi-final. Djokovic is still chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, but it now seems he may not continue pushing his body much longer in pursuit of that goal. He confirmed he intends to play Wimbledon next month and the US Open later this year, though his plans beyond the current season remain unclear. He also mentioned the possibility of returning to Australia, where he has won 10 of his 24 major titles. “Those tournaments are the priorities on my schedule,” Djokovic said. “Wimbledon and the US Open. Yes, they’re in the plans. That’s all I can say for now. I feel I want to play those two, certainly. For the rest, I’m not so sure.” “Wimbledon has always been my childhood favourite. I’ll do everything I can to get myself ready. My best chances may be at Wimbledon or perhaps in Australia,” he added. Djokovic is now the last remaining member of the Big Three that redefined men’s tennis over the past two decades. Roger Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, retired in 2022, while Rafael Nadal, who claimed 22 majors, stepped away from professional tennis last year. Published By: Akshay Ramesh Published On: Jun 7, 2025
French Open 2025: Flawless Jannik Sinner ousts Novak Djokovic to set up final vs Carlos Alcaraz
World No.1 Jannik Sinner continued his dominating run over Novak Djokovic and stormed into the final of the French Open 2025. After Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti had a heartbreaking end after having to retire from his semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner managed to keep the Italian flag flying high at Roland Garros. On Friday, June 6, Sinner took three hours and 16 minutes to beat Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) at Court Philippe-Chatrier. It was Sinner’s fourth consecutive win over the 24-time Grand Slam champion, with Djokovic last winning in the 2023 ATP Finals. Djokovic’s wait to win his 25th Grand Slam was also prolonged after he last won a major at the US Open in 2023. French Open 2025, men’s singles semi-finals Highlights As far as Sinner is concerned, he will face Alcaraz in the summit clash on Sunday, June 8, in a bid to win his maiden French Open title. Last year, Sinner lost to Alcaraz in the semifinals at Roland Garros and also went down to him in the Italian Open 2025 final recently. Now, Sinner has a chance to make amends. “It was such a special occasion for me, playing against Novak in the semi-final of a Grand Slam. It’s just amazing, and I had to step up and play the best tennis I could. I’m very happy how I handled the situation, but this shows again what a role model he is for all of us and especially for us young players,” Sinner said in the on-court interview. “What he is doing is incredible, and I wish him only the best for the rest of the season. I think we are all very lucky to see him playing such high-level tennis, it’s amazing,” Sinner added. Sinner dictates terms Sinner was dominating right from the word go as he claimed an early break to go 3-2 in the opening set. In the seventh game, Djokovic survived a huge scare as he saved two break points to hold his serve. But he couldn’t earn the break back as Sinner went on to claim the set without having to break a sweat. Djokovic tried to use the drop shots to deceive Sinner, but the latter didn’t let the Serb much breathing space. The second set was a roller-coaster ride for both players. At 3-3, Sinner again went ahead with his second break of the match. But Djokovic bounced back brilliantly to break Sinner’s serve for the first time since the Davis Cup 2023. At 4-5, 40-15, Djokovic missed out on the first break point chance but converted the second to stay alive in the set. The 38-year-old Djokovic also showed incredible agility as he fetched a point through a 26-shot rally. Meanwhile, after dropping his serve, Sinner immediately stormed back to earn the break back, after which he held his serve to claim the second set. At the end of the set, Djokovic took a medical timeout, where he got treated on his right leg. It was in the second set that he called for treatment during the changeover. Djokovic goes down fighting Djokovic upped his game in the third set to try and push Sinner under pressure. Despite being 0-2 down after the first two sets, the veteran kept pushing more and more. Leading 5-4 in the set, Djokovic gave himself an excellent chance of winning the set and taking the match into the fourth set. But Sinner showed nerves of steel to save three set points. Sinner then held his serve to take the set into a tie-breaker. In the tie-breaker, Sinner took a 3-0 lead to push Djokovic right back on the backfoot. From there on, he didn’t look back and closed out the match comfortably. Djokovic was let down big time by the 53 unforced errors he made, 17 more than Sinner. Sinner also dominated with 10 aces and 44 winners. For the first time since the 2013 US Open, both the men’s and women’s singles finals will have World No.1 and 2s. Published By: sabyasachi chowdhury Published On: Jun 7, 2025
KL Rahul century powers India A to strong start vs England Lions in Northampton
India A got off to a commanding start in the second unofficial Test against England Lions at Northampton, riding on a composed and classy century from senior India batter KL Rahul. Making a return to red-ball cricket after injury setbacks, Rahul’s innings was not just crucial for India A’s position in the match but also a promising sign for the senior Indian side ahead of their high-stakes five-match Test series against England later this month. Rahul was cautious in the early stages of his knock, showing discipline in shot selection and letting the ball come to him. Batting under overcast skies and against a fresh England Lions pace attack, he took his time — reaching his half-century in 102 balls. But once settled, Rahul made a switch in his approach and went into attack mode, but with remarkable control. Growing in confidence and playing a range of crisp shots, including his trademark cover drives, – he brought up his century in 151 balls. England Lions vs India A, 2nd unofficial Test: Highlights His innings played a stabilising role after India A lost two early wickets — Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhimanyu Easwaran — both LBW to Chris Woakes in the first 11 overs. Rahul first stitched a steady 86-run stand with Karun Nair, who has been in fine form himself. Nair, who scored a double century in the first unofficial Test in Canterbury, looked solid before being trapped LBW by Woakes. Rahul then built on that platform with Dhruv Jurel, who added an impressive 52 off 87 deliveries. Their 121-run partnership ensured India A kept control through the middle session. Even after Rahul’s dismissal, Nitish Kumar Reddy added a handy 34 runs to take India A to a strong position by stumps. Chris Woakes was the pick of the bowlers for the Lions, finishing with 3/50, while George Hill claimed two wickets. India A will resume Day 2 with Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj at the crease. Published By: Debodinna Chakraborty Published On: Jun 7, 2025
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2nd unofficial Test, Day 1: KL Rahul roars back with ton ahead of England Tests | Cricket News
KL Rahul (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Despite England Lions making early inroads after winning the toss and opting to bowl first on Day 1 of the second unofficial Test in Northampton on Friday, India A ended the day at 319/7 in 83 overs, riding on strong contributions from KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Dhruv Jurel after early setbacks.The morning session belonged to England Lions pacer Chris Woakes, who struck twice to remove openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (17) and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (11), leaving India A at 40/2.KL Rahul, returning to longer-format cricket, played a composed knock. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Alongside Karun Nair, he added 86 runs for the third wicket before Nair was trapped lbw by Woakes for 40. Rahul went on to score a fluent 116 off 168 balls, laced with 15 boundaries, before falling to George Hill shortly after the team crossed the 250-run mark.Middle-order contributions from Dhruv Jurel (52) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (34) kept the scoreboard moving, but wickets fell at regular intervals in the final session.Shardul Thakur (19) was dismissed lbw by spinner Farhan Ahmed, while George Hill claimed two crucial wickets, including that of Jurel.India A ended the day on a balanced position, with Tanush Kotian (5 not out) and Anshul Kamboj (1 not out) at the crease. Despite a few middle-order collapses, they posted a competitive total on a pitch offering movement early on. Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy Woakes was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts, finishing with 3/50, while George Hill supported well with 2/56.Brief Scores (Day 1):India A 319/7 in 83 overs (KL Rahul 116, Dhruv Jurel 52, Chris Woakes 3/50, George Hill 2/56) vs England Lions.
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TNPL | Aparajith, Vijay Shankar star for Chepauk Super Gillies
CSG skipper Baba Aparajith in action. | Photo Credit: M. PERIASAMY R.S. Mokit Hariharan (46, 22b, 7×4, 2×6) set the stage with a blazing start before skipper B. Aparajith (77 n.o., 48b, 5×4, 5×6) took charge as Chepauk Super Gillies romped home to an eight-wicket win over IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans in the TNPL-9 match at the Sri Ramakrishna College Ground on Friday. Chasing 174, opener Mokit went hammer and tongs in the PowerPlay against the Tamizhans bowlers, who were wayward in their lines and lengths. The left-hander was severe on the leg-side, sweeping the spinners to the fence without fuss as CSG raced to 68 for one in the first six overs. Aparajith and Vijay Shankar then joined forces and kept the pedal to the metal. The two senior pros toyed with a hapless Tamizhans attack, pulling and lofting the bowlers over the ropes. The duo’s unbroken 105-run partnership for the third wicket off just 57 balls ensured the four-time champion cantered home in 16 overs. Earlier, Tushar Raheja’s sparkling knock (79, 43b, 7×4, 5×6) helped Tamizhans post 173 for six after being put in to bat. The left-hander got going, lofting Abhishek Tanwar down the ground before taking on Vijay Shankar. He flicked the medium-pacer over fine leg for a maximum before finding two more boundaries in a 17-run fourth over to give impetus to the innings. Raheja was strong through the off-side, and he maximised it by lofting the pacers and spinners alike over cover. But once he was dismissed, the Super Gillies medium-pacers pulled things back to restrict the former to a par score. CSG’s batters then took over. The scores: IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans 173/6 in 20 overs (Tushar Raheja 79, Pradosh Ranjan Paul 38, Abhishek Tanwar 2/23, Vijay Shankar 2/39) lost to Chepauk Super Gillies 174/2 in 16 overs (R.S. Mokit Hariharan 46, B. Aparajith 77 n.o., Vijay Shankar 41 n.o.). Toss: CSG. Saturday’s match: Nellai Royal Kings vs Trichy Grand Cholas (7. 15 p.m.) Published – June 06, 2025 10:56 pm IST