Jannik Sinner predicts how the French Open crowd will treat him in 2025, ‘it’s definitely going to be different’

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Jannik Sinner received a hero’s welcome in Rome as he returned from suspension at the Italian Open.

The world number one missed four Masters 1000 tournaments during the early stages of the season, while Sinner was suspended from tennis.

He returned at the Italian Open, as his home fans welcomed him back with open arms, cheering him on to success in Rome.

Coming up just short in the final, Sinner lost to Carlos Alcaraz, 6-7, 1-6, as his 26-match winning streak came to an end.

Sinner will look to bounce back at the French Open, in front of a crowd he’s well aware may not be quite so supportive of him.

Jannik Sinner knows the French Open crowd will ‘definitely be different’ to Rome

During his pre-tournament press conference, Sinner was asked whether he expects the Parisian fans to treat him differently from those in Rome last week.

“It’s definitely going to be different,” he said.

“I know that, but I don’t think they have anything against me. It’s right that they support the players who are from here, who are local here.

“It’s the same when I play against American players at the US Open, it’s normal. I got an amazing atmosphere in Rome because I’m Italian, it’s right that the player who plays in this city or country gets more support.

“I know that, last year I played against some French players here, so I know a little bit of what to expect.”

Sinner played two French players on his way to the last four in 2024, Richard Gasquet and Corentin Moutet.

Sinner beat Gasquet in three sets in last year’s second round, after which he praised the crowd for being ‘amazing’ during the match.

Vying for a place in the quarterfinals, Sinner faced a tougher test against Moutet and trailed by a set to love before battling back to win in four.

Sinner is guaranteed to be taking on a French player in the first and second rounds of this year’s event, with the potential for a third in the last 16.

Jannik Sinner’s potential French opponents

• 1R – Arthur Rinderknech
• 2R – Richard Gasquet/Terence Atmane
• 4R – Arthur Fils

The Italian did, however, admit that while he knows what to ‘expect’, things could be different in 2025.

“Different moment, because whatever happened happened, so let’s see,” said Sinner.

Jannik Sinner’s career record against French players

Sinner hasn’t lost a match against a French player in over four years, winning his previous 18 contests against ATP stars from the nation.

• 1. 2021 French Open – Jannik Sinner beat Pierre-Hugues Herbert, 6-1, 4-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-4
• 2. 2021 US Open – Jannik Sinner beat Gael Monfils, 7-6, 6-2, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4
• 3. 2021 Sofia Open – Jannik Sinner beat Gael Monfils, 6-3, 6-4
• 4. 2021 Antwerp Open – Jannik Sinner beat Arthur Rinderknech, 6-4, 6-2
• 5. 2022 ATP Cup – Jannik Sinner beat Arthur Rinderknech, 6-3, 7-6
• 6. 2022 Indian Wells – Jannik Sinner beat Benjamin Bonzi, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
• 7. 2022 Canadian Open – Jannik Sinner beat Adrian Mannarino, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2
• 8. 2023 Montpellier Open – Jannik Sinner beat Arthur Fils, 7-5, 6-2
• 9. 2023 Rotterdam Open – Jannik Sinner beat Benjamin Bonzi, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
• 10. 2023 Indian Wells – Jannik Sinner beat Richard Gasquet, 6-3, 7-6
• 11. 2023 Indian Wells – Jannik Sinner beat Adrian Mannarino, 7-6, 6-4
• 12. 2023 French Open – Jannik Sinner beat Alexandre Muller, 6-1, 6-4, 6-1
• 13. 2023 Halle Open – Jannik Sinner beat Richard Gasquet, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2
• 14. 2023 Wimbledon – Jannik Sinner beat Quentin Halys, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4
• 15. 2023 Canadian Open – Jannik Sinner beat Gael Monfils 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
• 16. 2024 Rotterdam Open – Jannik Sinner beat Gael Monfils, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
• 17. 2024 French Open – Jannik Sinner beat Richard Gasquet, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4
• 18. 2024 French Open – Jannik Sinner beat Corentin Moutet, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1

His last defeat against a Frenchman came at the Lyon Open in 2021, when he lost to the man he’ll face in the first round of Roland Garros, Arthur Rinderknech.

Sinner’s overall record against French players is 28-5 (85%), an impressive tally he’d no doubt love to improve upon in Paris this year.

The world number one will begin his French Open campaign against Rinderknech on Monday, May 26.