Discover Roland Garros: The home of clay court tennis

Discover Roland Garros: The home of clay court tennis

Roland Garros, also known as the French Open, is one of the most prestigious tournaments in world tennis. Held every spring in Paris, it is famous for its red clay courts, demanding rallies, and legendary champions who have mastered the sport’s most challenging surface.

For many players and fans, Roland Garros represents the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and mental strength. Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic grand slam.

🎾 What is Roland Garros?

Roland Garros is one of the four grand slam tournaments, alongside the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. It is the only grand slam played on clay courts, a surface that slows the ball, rewards patience, and produces long, physical points.

The tournament takes place at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, featuring several iconic courts:

• Court Philippe-Chatrier

• Court Suzanne-Lenglen

• Court Simonne-Mathieu

With its unique atmosphere, Parisian setting, and tactical style of play, Roland Garros offers a truly distinctive tennis experience.

📜 A brief history of the tournament

The tournament was first held in 1891, making it one of the oldest events in tennis. It became a grand slam tournament in 1925, when it opened to international players.

Key milestones include:

• 1891 – first French Championships held

• 1925 – international players allowed; becomes a grand slam event

• 1928 – Stade Roland Garros opens, built for France’s Davis Cup champions

• 2018–2021 – major stadium renovations modernise the venue while preserving its heritage

Today, Roland Garros is known for tradition, elegance, and some of the toughest matches in tennis history.

🏆 Previous champions and legendary moments

Roland Garros has been dominated by some of the most iconic players the sport has ever seen, particularly on clay.

Men’s singles legends

• Rafael Nadal – the undisputed king of clay with a record 14 Roland Garros titles

• Björn Borg – six-time champion and clay-court pioneer

• Ivan Lendl – three-time champion known for consistency and power

• Gustavo Kuerten – three-time winner and a fan favourite in Paris

• Novak Djokovic – multiple-time champion and the most successful non-clay specialist in Paris

Women’s singles icons

• Chris Evert – the most successful woman at Roland Garros with 7 titles

• Steffi Graf – six-time champion who dominated across all surfaces

• Justine Henin – four-time winner with elegant and tactical brilliance

• Iga Świątek – multiple-time champion and the defining clay-court player of the modern era

• Monica Seles – three-time champion during her dominant prime

These champions have created unforgettable moments through epic five-set battles, emotional finals, and historic achievements.

📍 Why Roland Garros is special

The ultimate clay-court challenge

Clay rewards movement, strategy, and endurance — making every victory in Paris particularly meaningful.

Tradition and elegance

From classic court designs to strict traditions, Roland Garros combines sporting excellence with Parisian style.

Unmatched atmosphere

Crowds are passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply appreciative of tactical tennis.

A showcase of endurance

Matches often last longer than at any other major, pushing players to their physical limits.

🏆 Why Roland Garros belongs on your bucket list

• the most physically demanding grand slam

• legendary champions and historic moments

• a tournament deeply rooted in tradition and prestige

• an unforgettable way to experience elite tennis in Paris

🇫🇷 Ready for match point?

From the red clay of Court Philippe-Chatrier to the intensity of its Paris crowds, Roland Garros stands as one of tennis’s true temples. If you want to witness the sport at its purest and most demanding level, this is the tournament to experience live.

Explore our official Roland Garros tickets and hospitality options and start planning your tennis journey today.

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