French Open 2025 Wildcards: Big Stage Beckons for Schoolkate and Aiava

The French Open has officially announced its wildcard entries for the 2025 tournament, and two Australians—Tristan Schoolkate and Destanee Aiava—are among the lucky few to receive a coveted spot in the main draw. For both players, this wildcard is more than just a ticket to Roland Garros—it’s a testament to hard work, recent form, and a chance to make a breakthrough on one of tennis’s most iconic stages.

Tristan Schoolkate, 24, has been steadily rising through the ranks of professional tennis and enters Paris on the back of growing Grand Slam experience. After reaching the second round at the 2024 US Open, Schoolkate made further waves at the 2025 Australian Open, where he pushed eventual champion Jannik Sinner to four sets in a spirited second-round performance. That match, which saw Schoolkate claim a set from one of the tour’s most dominant players, highlighted the Australian’s fearless game and big-match temperament.

Known for his strong serve and willingness to step inside the baseline, Schoolkate’s game isn’t traditionally built for clay. Yet, his athleticism and improving movement suggest he’s more than capable of adapting. With confidence from two solid Slam outings and growing experience against top-tier opponents, this wildcard presents an ideal platform for the West Australian to prove he belongs among the elite.

For Destanee Aiava, the wildcard signals a follow-on from her 2025 Australian Open apprearance as a qualifier. The 25-year-old burst onto the scene as a teenager but has had to navigate the challenges of expectation, form, and injury over recent years. In 2025, however, she’s shown renewed promise, with an ITF finals appearance and improved consistency lifting her ranking and outlook. Aiava’s powerful groundstrokes and athletic court coverage have always made her a threat, and with a stronger mental game, she enters Roland Garros poised to capitalize on her opportunity.

Both players benefit from the reciprocal wildcard arrangement between Tennis Australia and the French Tennis Federation, but their inclusion is far from symbolic. For Schoolkate, it’s a chance to build on recent Grand Slam momentum; for Aiava, it’s a shot at rediscovery on a global stage.

Roland Garros is a proving ground, and for these two Australians, the challenge is clear—but so is the opportunity. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Schoolkate and Aiava are ready to take their swings in Paris.