ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
The Legends Trophy tournament got off to a flying start at Roland‑Garros stadium on Tuesday, with Marat Safin in particular making his first appearance. Here’s what you need to know about the first two days of the competition.
Legends : Safin's successful start
A round-up of what happened in the first two days of the Legends Trophy tournament.
©Pauline Ballet / FFTTuesday 5 June
Men’s 35‑45 years
Marat Safin is once again savouring success at Roland‑Garros. Nine years after his last appearance at the Parisian Grand Slam – he was eliminated in the second round of the 2009 men’s singles by Frenchman Jousselin Ouanna – the Russian perfectly manoeuvred his first match at the tournament.
The Moscow native made an impression alongside his fellow Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov, winner of the men’s singles in 1996. They won their match on Court No.18 against French duo Arnaud Clément and Nicolas Escudé 6-4, 6-3 in 55 minutes.
Towards the end of the day, Spain’s Alex Corretja and Juan Carlos Ferrero made their mark in a brilliant tie‑break against Mark Philipoussis and another Legends Trophy first-timer, James Blake, winning 7-5, 3-6, 1-0 (10-8).
Wednesday 6 June
Men’s 35‑45 years
The day after defeat at the hands of Marat Safin and Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Frenchmen Arnaud Clément and Nicolas Escudé got back on the right path – beating Tomas Enqvist and Andrei Medvedev in two sets on Court No.7 (6-3, 7-6(5)).
Men’s over-45s
Mansour Bahrami and Fabrice Santoro got their tournament off to a great start, beating Mikael Pernfors and Mats Wilander 6-2, 6-4 on No.1 Court. A complementary pair, the winners offered up a feast of different techniques for the public.
John McEnroe and Cédric Pioline, playing on Roland‑Garros’ new Court No.18 for the first time, gave Sergi Bruguera and Younès El Aynaoui no chance – storming to victory with 6-4, 7-6 (4). This pair is one to watch.
The men’s draw
Women’s
Just one women’s match took place at the tournament on Wednesday. Kim Clijsters and Nathalie Tauziat emerged triumphant, vanquishing Marion Bartoli and Martina Navratilova 6-1, 6-2. The Franco‑Belgian duo took the match in 44 minutes on Court No.18.
The women’s draw