The 125th edition of Roland-Garros enters its decisive phase this Wednesday, June 3, with the men's quarter-finals. The Porte d'Auteuil is buzzing with a unique electricity this year: Carlos Alcaraz, defending champion for the previous two editions and a natural contender for a third consecutive title, is absent due to injury, leaving an immense void but a historic opportunity for his rivals. Court Philippe-Chatrier, the stage for so many epic moments since Paris 2024, hosts two sibling duels that could reshape the world hierarchy.
Berrettini-Arnaldi: A Duel of Italian Schools
The first quarter-final pits two Italians against each other: Matteo Berrettini, back in the spotlight after years of recurring injuries, against his compatriot Matteo Arnaldi, the circuit's revelation over the last eighteen months. The duel is as tactical as it is emotional – two different styles, two different stories, only one spot in the semi-finals. Berrettini, a powerful server with a solid backhand on clay, has the experience; Arnaldi, younger and more fearless, perhaps has the audacity.
Auger-Aliassime-Cobolli: The Gala Session
In the evening, starting at 8:15 PM, Félix Auger-Aliassime, the fourth seed, faces Fabio Cobolli in a match that will pit Canadian power against Italian finesse. Nicknamed "FAA" by his fans, the Montrealer has significantly improved his clay-court game in the last two seasons and arrives in Paris full of confidence, having eliminated the second seed, Alexander Zverev, in the previous round in the same quarter of the draw. Cobolli, ranked tenth in the world, is the other positive surprise of the tournament: his varied game and defensive skills make him a formidable opponent on Philippe-Chatrier.
On the Women's Side, the Draw Awaits its Round of 16
On the women's side, the quarter-final schedule is set for Friday, with Coco Gauff defending her title. The American, the reigning champion, remains the central figure in a draw that has opened up since the early exit of several favorites. The women's final is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, and the men's final for Sunday, June 7 – in the same venue where the Olympic medals were awarded in the summer of 2024, giving this Philippe-Chatrier an ever-growing aura of collective memory.
Editorial Opinion
Alcaraz's absence is not just a calendar clash: it reshuffles the deck in men's tennis, which was thought to be locked down for a decade. Berrettini is returning to the top through sheer patience, Auger-Aliassime is confirming a talent that has been awaited for too long, and Menšík reminds us that the new generation will not just wait their turn. It is this Roland-Garros, imperfect and suddenly open, that may remain in the memory.
Day's Schedule
- Berrettini vs. Arnaldi – Men's quarter-final, starting at 11:00 AM.
- Auger-Aliassime (No. 4) vs. Cobolli (No. 10) – starting at 8:15 PM.
- Menšík (No. 26) defeated Fonseca (No. 28) 6/4, 6/3, 7/6(3) yesterday in the quarter-finals.
- Alcaraz absent due to injury: end of the "threepeat" before it even began.
- Women's final on June 6, Men's final on June 7 on Philippe-Chatrier.
