Jannik Sinner faced a bit of a challenge in the third set of his first-round match versus Arthur Rinderknech. But the top men's seed at the 2025 French Open ultimately advanced in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Playing his first major tournament since servinga three-month suspensionfor testing positive for a banned substance last year, Sinner looked refreshed and composed as he won the first two sets relatively easily versus Rinderknech. At one point, perhaps figuring he had nothing to lose, Rinderknech tried an underarm serve. But with the home crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier cheering on its countryman and chanting "Arthur," Rinderknech put up a fight in that third set and took leads of 4-0 and 5-2. The Frenchman also played to the crowd by waving his arms after winning a point and even reaching into the stands for high-fives. Yet Sinner shook off the challenge, which he appeared to appreciate, and composed himself to tie the set at 5-5 and eventually winning three games in a row for the match victory. "First-round matches are never easy so I'm happy with how I handled the situation, especially in the third set," Sinner saidafter the match. "Coming through in straight sets for me means a lot." Up next for the No. 1 seed is another Frenchman, Richard Gasquet, which Sinner acknowledged to the home crowd. "I know you will support him," Sinner said to the fans. "But that's OK." Gasquet, 38, has said the 2025 French Open will be the last tournament of his career. That may provide further inspiration for the spectators. Sinner defeated Gasquet last year in Paris in straight sets, also in the second round. Though the second day of play at Roland-Garros was notablefor No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz losinghis first-round match, top seeds Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz won in straight sets as they remain on a collision course for a rematch in the final. At last year's French Open, Alcaraz defeated Sinner in a five-set semifinal match. In a possible preview, Sinner also fell to Alcarazat the Italian Opena week ago.
