The 2025 French Open lit up with excitement as defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek kicked off their title defenses with flair! 🎾 The stadium buzzed even more with emotional tributes marking tennis legend Rafael Nadal's heartfelt farewell ceremony at Roland Garros.
Alcaraz impressed early on with a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri. The 22-year-old Spaniard reflected on the touching moment, saying, "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." His words seamlessly connected the legacy of the past with the promise of the future.
Next on Alcaraz's agenda is a challenging battle against Hungary's Fabian Marozsan, as he aims to keep his momentum going. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek cruised through her match, setting high expectations for a fierce title defense throughout the tournament.
This French Open is serving up not only top-tier tennis action but also moments that stir the heart. Stay tuned for more dynamic updates from Roland Garros as the drama unfolds on and off the court!
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Alcaraz, Swiatek launch title defenses amid emotional Nadal farewell
cgtn.com