At just 20 years old, Robin Montgomery is turning heads at the 2025 French Open, carving her name into the tennis world’s spotlight. On May 26, she delivered a stunning performance, crushing French wildcard Diane Parry 6-2, 6-1 in the first round at Roland Garros. This victory marks her first main-draw win at the Paris Grand Slam, a significant milestone for the American rising star. With her powerful baseline game and growing confidence on clay, Montgomery is proving she’s a force to be reckoned with, drawing comparisons to her close friend Coco Gauff and reflecting on her emotional loss to Aryna Sabalenka last year. As she advances to face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the second round, all eyes are on whether Montgomery can sustain her momentum and emerge as the next big U.S. tennis talent.
A Breakthrough at Roland Garros
Montgomery’s first-round triumph over Parry was a statement. She dominated from the start, securing an early break in the first set and never looking back. Her aggressive style, blending power with newfound clay-court finesse, overwhelmed Parry in just over an hour. This win is a far cry from her qualifying-round exit at last year’s French Open, where she fell to Leolia Jeanjean. Now ranked No. 100 in the WTA, Montgomery is showing she’s ready to climb higher. Her performance echoes the fearless energy she displayed at the 2024 Madrid Open, where she pushed world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to a grueling three-set battle, losing 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-4.
- Key Stats from Montgomery’s First-Round Win:
- Match time: 1 hour, 2 minutes
- Winners: 22
- Unforced errors: 15
- Break points converted: 5/7
Her ability to stay composed and dictate play on clay, a surface she’s still mastering, signals a bright future. Fans are buzzing about her potential to follow in the footsteps of American stars like Gauff and Jessica Pegula.
Friendship with Coco Gauff Fuels Her Fire
Robin Montgomery and Coco Gauff share a bond that goes beyond the court. The two have known each other since they were nine, training together at USTA camps and forging a friendship that’s lasted over a decade. “We’re friends,” Montgomery said in a recent interview. “We catch up at tournaments, grab dinner, and just talk about life.” This connection with Gauff, the No. 2 seed at the 2025 French Open, inspires Montgomery to chase her own Grand Slam dreams. Watching Gauff upset Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019 at age 15 left a lasting impression. “It was wild,” Montgomery recalled. “Seeing her do that at such a young age pushed me to believe I could compete at that level too.”
Their friendship offers a support system in the high-pressure world of professional tennis. Montgomery often leans on Gauff’s experience, especially on navigating the mental and physical demands of the WTA Tour. As both players compete in Paris, their shared history adds an extra layer of intrigue to Montgomery’s rise.
Tears After a “Gruesome” Sabalenka Showdown
Robin Montgomery’s clash with Aryna Sabalenka at the 2024 Madrid Open was a defining moment. “Playing Sabalenka is gruesome,” she said afterward, describing the relentless power of the world No. 1’s game. “You’re on defense before the point even starts.” Despite the 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-4 loss, Montgomery took Sabalenka to the brink, nearly pulling off a massive upset. The defeat stung—she admitted to crying afterward, calling her childhood coach in frustration. “I was so close,” she said. “Just a few shots made the difference.”
That match, though, was a turning point. It showed Montgomery she could hang with the best, boosting her confidence as she entered the 2025 season. Now, with Sabalenka as a potential opponent later in the French Open draw, Montgomery is eager to prove she’s closed the gap. Her improved clay-court game, with better patience and variety, could make a rematch even more competitive.
The Road Ahead at Roland Garros
Montgomery’s second-round matchup against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro is no easy task. Bouzas Maneiro shocked the tennis world by demolishing No. 9 seed Emma Navarro 6-0, 6-1 in the first round. The Spaniard’s confidence is sky-high, and her clay-court prowess makes her a tough opponent. Still, Montgomery’s power and recent form give her a fighting chance. Analysts are split—some favor Bouzas Maneiro’s clay expertise, while others see Montgomery’s aggressive style prevailing in a three-set thriller.
If she advances, Montgomery could face Hailey Baptiste, Madison Keys, or even Gauff in later rounds. Each match is a chance to showcase her growth and stake her claim as America’s next tennis star. Her journey at Roland Garros is about more than wins—it’s about proving she belongs among the elite.
Why Montgomery Is the One to Watch
Robin Montgomery’s story is one of grit, talent, and heart. From her early days training in Washington, D.C., to her breakout performances in 2024, she’s shown she’s ready for the big stage. Her friendship with Gauff keeps her grounded, while her emotional response to losses like the one to Sabalenka fuels her drive. At the 2025 French Open, she’s not just playing for herself but for a new generation of American tennis fans hungry for a star to rally behind.
Her game is evolving, blending raw power with tactical smarts. Clay may not be her strongest surface, but her adaptability is impressive. As she navigates the Paris draw, Montgomery’s mix of youthful energy and battle-tested resilience makes her a player to watch.
Keep Up with Robin Montgomery’s French Open Journey
Don’t miss a moment of Robin Montgomery’s run at the 2025 French Open! Follow her matches, cheer her on, and see if she can upset the odds in Paris. Share your thoughts on her progress in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the rise of this American talent together.