Caroline Garcia’s singles journey at Roland Garros has come to a close. The 31-year-old Frenchwoman, who recently announced her decision to end her career soon, played her final singles match at her home Grand Slam on Monday, falling 6-4 6-4 to American Bernarda Pera in the opening round.
As she waited to walk out on to Court Suzanne Lenglen, Garcia couldn’t hold back tears. She knew this might be the last time she’d play singles in Paris—and it was.
Les larmes de Caroline Garcia avant d’entrer sur le Court Suzanne-Lenglen pour le dernier Roland-Garros de sa carrière.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/vnx0u2zRmh
— Tennis Legend (@TennisLegende) May 26, 2025
“After 15 years competing at the highest level, and more than 25 years putting pretty much every second of my life into it, I feel ready to start a new chapter,” Garcia shared in her retirement announcement a few days ago.
Though pressure and nerves complicated Garcia’s performances in Paris, she leaves behind a meaningful legacy. Her best singles run at the French Open came in 2017, when she reached the quarterfinals. In doubles, however, she found greater success, capturing the Roland Garros title twice—once in 2016 and again in 2022—both alongside Kristina Mladenovic.
Reflecting on her complicated relationship with the tournament, Garcia acknowledged how the weight of expectation often became a hurdle.
“Stress and the desire to do well have often gotten in my way,” she admitted during her on-court farewell. “Especially here at Roland Garros, where I experienced some difficult moments.”
Although she never fulfilled her dream of winning the French Open singles title, Garcia said the moments she shared with the Paris crowd will remain forever etched in her memory.
Garcia’s journey at Roland Garros isn’t over just yet, as she’s still competing in the women’s doubles alongside fellow Frenchwoman Diane Parry.