The French Open 2025 has returned with all its signature flair—red clay, roaring crowds, and global tennis icons.
This year’s tournament began on an emotional note, with Rafael Nadal receiving a thunderous standing ovation as he stepped onto Court Philippe-Chatrier—possibly for the last time.
The tribute to the “King of Clay” was not just for his records, but for the sheer emotional gravity he brings to Roland-Garros.
As fans across the world celebrated one of tennis’ greatest champions, Indian tennis enthusiasts couldn’t help but wonder—when will an Indian player command a similar moment under the Parisian skies?
While that dream is still a work in progress, India’s journey at Roland-Garros in 2025 continues with hope, experience, and emerging talent.
India’s Men’s Doubles Line-Up: A Blend of Experience and Promise
This year, four Indian players feature in the men’s doubles draw, with each pairing bringing its own storyline and expectations.
Rohan Bopanna / Adam Pavlásek
Leading the Indian contingent is Rohan Bopanna, the evergreen flagbearer of Indian tennis. At 45, Bopanna remains a top doubles competitor and enters the French Open partnered with Adam Pavlásek of the Czech Republic. Last year, Bopanna reached the semifinals with Matthew Ebden, displaying vintage form and composure.
Now teaming up with Pavlásek, Bopanna will open his campaign against Americans Robert Cash and James Tracy—a potentially manageable first-round hurdle. With his tactical acumen, big serve, and relentless commitment, Bopanna will be aiming for yet another deep run.
Yuki Bhambri / Robert Galloway
The former junior Grand Slam champion Yuki Bhambri, now a top-50 doubles player (ranked 41), continues his doubles journey with American partner Robert Galloway. Their first-round match pits them against the experienced European duo of Robin Haase (Netherlands) and Constantin Frantzen (Germany).
Bhambri comes in with mixed results—an early exit at the ATP Geneva Open, but a strong finalist finish at the Bordeaux Challenger. That clay court run should give him the confidence and rhythm needed on the demanding Paris clay.
N. Sriram Balaji / Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela
Another veteran name in Indian tennis, N. Sriram Balaji, partners with Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela of Mexico. Balaji has shown flashes of brilliance on the doubles circuit, and his first-round match against Yunchaokete Bu and Camilo Ugo Carabelli offers a good opportunity to build momentum.
Balaji’s aggressive net play and comfort on clay could make this an important tournament in his career resurgence.
Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli / Nicolás Barrientos
The youngest of the Indian lot, Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli, teams up with Nicolás Barrientos of Colombia. The pair will face Gabriel Diallo and Jacob Fearnley in the opening round.
For Rithvik, this is more than just a Grand Slam appearance—it’s a chance to announce himself on the international stage. If he can hold his nerve and find rhythm, Paris 2025 could become a breakout moment in his budding career.
A Look Back: Indian Success at Roland-Garros
While the present focus is on these matchups, Indian fans carry with them a storied—if not frequent—history at the French Open.
- The last Indian to win a trophy in Paris was Rohan Bopanna in 2017, when he clinched the mixed doubles title with Gabriela Dabrowski.
- In men’s doubles, the legends Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi have kept India’s flag flying high with two French Open titles each.
- On the women’s side, Sania Mirza came heartbreakingly close in 2011, reaching the final alongside Elena Vesnina, only to fall to the Czech pair of Lucie Hradecká and Andrea Hlaváčková.
These achievements have kept the Indian tricolor visible in the clay-court history books, but it’s been eight years since India last claimed a trophy in Paris. The wait has been long, and the hunger for success is real.
Why There’s Reason to Believe in 2025
Unlike in singles, where India is still finding its next breakthrough star, doubles remains India’s best hope at Grand Slam events. The experience of players like Bopanna and Bhambri, combined with the rise of younger players like Rithvik, gives the Indian camp a balanced and well-rounded look.
Moreover, the global nature of doubles partnerships has opened new tactical combinations, allowing Indian players to team up with top-tier partners from around the world. That not only helps them grow but also prepares them for big-stage situations like Roland-Garros.
For Indian tennis fans, success at the French Open doesn’t have to be defined solely by trophies. A quarterfinal or semifinal appearance, a hard-fought win over a seeded team, or simply a memorable performance on one of the show courts can inspire the next generation.
After all, every Leander or Sania started with one breakout moment. Perhaps this week in Paris, someone like Rithvik might step forward. Or Bopanna, in his twilight years, might script another story of resilience.
The red clay of Roland-Garros is not easy. It rewards persistence, tactics, and belief—qualities that Indian players have shown in abundance. While the draw is challenging, and the competition fierce, the Indian contingent is quietly confident.
Whether it’s another magical run by Bopanna, a statement win from Bhambri, a steady surge by Balaji, or a big surprise from Rithvik, India arrives in Paris with more than just hope—it arrives with purpose.
And that may be enough to earn not just wins, but perhaps—someday—a standing ovation on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Indian First Round Matches
- Rohan Bopanna/ Adam Pvalasek vs. Robert Cash/ James Tracy
- Sriram Balaji/ Migeul Reyes-Varela vs. Yunchaokete Bu/ Camilo Ugo Carabelli
- Rithvik Bollipali/ Nicolas Barrientos vs. Gabriel Diallo/ Jacob Fearnley
- Bhambri/Galloway vs Haase/Jebens
