Roland Garros (French Open)

The Roland Garros French Open stands as one of tennis’s most prestigious events, drawing the world’s elite players to the iconic red clay courts of Paris. This legendary tournament combines athletic excellence with Parisian charm, creating an unforgettable experience for spectators from around the globe. Whether you’re planning to attend the grand slam in person or simply want to learn more about this historic sporting event, our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Roland Garros tournament.

Roland Garros Tournament Dates and Schedule

The Roland Garros French Open typically takes place over two weeks in late May and early June. The tournament begins with the qualifying rounds, followed by the main draw matches spanning both weeks. The first week features early-round matches across all categories (men’s and women’s singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and junior competitions), while the second week builds up to the semifinals and finals. The women’s singles final is traditionally held on the second Saturday, with the men’s singles final taking place on the final Sunday.

The daily schedule at Roland Garros usually begins around 11:00 AM on the outside courts, with matches on the main show courts (Court Philippe-Chatrier and Court Suzanne-Lenglen) starting at 12:00 PM. Evening sessions were recently introduced on Court Philippe-Chatrier, featuring the day’s headline matches under the newly installed retractable roof.

The Rich History of the French Open

Named after Roland Garros, a French aviator and World War I hero, the tournament began in 1891 as a national championship before opening to international competitors in 1925. The event moved to its current location in the 16th arrondissement of Paris in 1928, where it has remained ever since, becoming the premier clay court tennis championship in the world.

Throughout its storied history, Roland Garros has witnessed legendary performances that have defined tennis greatness. The “King of Clay,” Rafael Nadal, has dominated the tournament with an unprecedented number of men’s singles titles, while players like Björn Borg, Ivan Lendl, and Gustavo Kuerten also cemented their legacies on the Parisian clay. On the women’s side, champions like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, and Justine Henin conquered the challenging surface with their exceptional skill and mental fortitude.

What Makes Roland Garros Unique Among Grand Slams

The distinctive red clay courts of Roland Garros set it apart from other grand slam tournaments. The slow-bouncing surface demands exceptional physical endurance, tactical intelligence, and patience from competitors. Points last longer on clay, with slides and dramatic rallies creating a spectacle unlike any other tennis event.

Beyond the playing surface, Roland Garros offers a distinctly French atmosphere. The tournament embraces its Parisian heritage with elegant architecture, meticulously maintained gardens, and world-class cuisine throughout the grounds. The recently renovated Roland Garros site features expanded public spaces, improved facilities, and the stunning new Simonne-Mathieu Court, built as a greenhouse within the adjacent Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil.

Must-See Highlights at the French Open

When attending Roland Garros, don’t miss watching matches on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the tournament’s center court and spiritual heart. This impressive stadium, which recently underwent significant renovations including the addition of a retractable roof, offers an electric atmosphere during big matches. Court Suzanne-Lenglen, the second show court, provides excellent viewing from almost every seat.

Beyond the main courts, the charming Simonne-Mathieu Court, surrounded by greenhouses and botanical gardens, offers a uniquely picturesque setting for tennis. Between matches, explore the Roland Garros Museum (Tenniseum) to discover the rich history of the tournament through interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and video archives of historic matches.

The French Open attracts numerous celebrities, tennis legends, and public figures each year. Keep an eye out for famous faces in the stands, particularly during the tournament’s second week when the stakes heighten and the crowds grow more animated.

Essential Tips for Roland Garros Attendees

Planning your visit to Roland Garros requires some preparation. Purchase tickets well in advance through the official Roland Garros website, as availability becomes extremely limited closer to the tournament. Consider buying grounds passes for the early rounds to experience multiple courts and matches, or secure tickets to specific show courts for the later stages.

Paris weather in late May and early June can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring both sun protection and rain gear. Comfortable footwear is essential as you’ll likely be walking and standing throughout the day. Stay hydrated and take advantage of the numerous food and beverage options throughout the grounds.

Public transportation is the most efficient way to reach Roland Garros. The Metro Lines 9 and 10 provide convenient access with stops near the venue. Plan to arrive early, especially for high-profile matches, as security lines can be lengthy during peak hours.

Roland Garros Bag Policy and Security Information

Roland Garros maintains strict security measures to ensure everyone’s safety. The tournament enforces a bag policy that limits the size of bags allowed into the venue. Typically, bags measuring larger than 40 × 30 × 15 cm (approximately 16 × 12 × 6 inches) are not permitted inside the grounds. All bags are subject to thorough security checks at entrance points.

Prohibited items include large bags and suitcases, professional photography equipment, selfie sticks, hard-sided coolers, glass containers, and any items deemed potentially dangerous. The tournament recommends bringing only essential items to expedite security screening.

If you’re traveling to Paris with larger luggage or bags that exceed the permitted dimensions, you’ll need to find secure storage before entering Roland Garros. This is where luggage storage services become invaluable for international tennis fans attending the tournament.

How LuggageHero Enhances Your Roland Garros Experience

Attending Roland Garros with luggage can significantly diminish your enjoyment of this prestigious tennis event. LuggageHero offers the perfect solution with convenient storage locations throughout Paris, including several near the Roland Garros stadium. These secure storage options allow you to enjoy the French Open matches without the burden of carrying bags throughout the venue or worrying about violating the tournament’s bag policy.

LuggageHero’s storage locations provide exceptional flexibility with hourly rates and daily maximums, ensuring you only pay for the time you need. Each item stored is secured with a tamper-proof seal and covered by insurance, giving you peace of mind while you immerse yourself in the tournament atmosphere. The booking process is straightforward—reserve online in advance or find a location spontaneously through the user-friendly app.

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Many Roland Garros attendees particularly appreciate having access to their belongings before or after matches. This flexibility allows you to explore Paris before heading to the stadium or store your purchases and souvenirs safely during your visit.

Beyond the Tennis: Making the Most of Your Paris Visit

While Roland Garros offers world-class tennis, Paris itself provides countless attractions to enhance your trip. The tournament’s location in the 16th arrondissement places it near several notable Parisian landmarks. Consider visiting the Eiffel Tower, just a short distance away, or exploring the elegant Bois de Boulogne park adjacent to the tennis complex.

Paris offers exceptional dining options ranging from casual cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants. After watching matches, enjoy authentic French cuisine in neighborhoods like Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Le Marais. For accommodation, consider staying in areas with convenient Metro access to Roland Garros, such as Auteuil, Passy, or central Paris districts connected to lines 9 and 10.

The French Open coincides with Paris’s beautiful late spring season, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s famous museums, historic sites, and charming neighborhoods. With LuggageHero’s convenient storage locations, you can seamlessly combine your Roland Garros experience with broader Parisian adventures.

For the most current tournament information, always check the official Roland Garros website for updates on schedules, tickets, and policies. Tennis enthusiasts worldwide recognize Roland Garros as a bucket-list sporting event that combines athletic excellence with French sophistication. Whether you’re a dedicated tennis fan or simply seeking a memorable Parisian experience, the French Open delivers unforgettable moments against the backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.