Roland Garros, The Clay Court Grand Slam That Defines Champions
Each year as spring turns to summer, the clay courts of Paris become the ultimate stage for one of sport’s greatest spectacles. Roland Garros, also known as the French Open, is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis and the only one played on clay. Its unique surface tests endurance, patience, tactics, and mental strength like no other major championship in the sport.
The tournament is played at the iconic Stade Roland Garros, with the showpiece matches held on the legendary Court Philippe-Chatrier, one of the most famous courts in world tennis.
When Does Roland Garros Take Place?
Roland Garros traditionally runs from late May to early June each year.
In 2026, the tournament is expected to:
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Start: Late May 2026
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Finish: Early June 2026
Key Stages of the Tournament
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Qualifying rounds: Mid to late May
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Main draw begins: Late May
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Fourth Round and Quarter Finals: End of first week and start of second week
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Semi Finals: Second week of the tournament
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Women’s Singles Final: Saturday
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Men’s Singles Final: Sunday
For two weeks, Paris becomes the centre of the sporting world as the best players on the planet battle for the most demanding Grand Slam title in tennis.
A Tournament Steeped in History
Roland Garros was first played in 1891 and has grown into one of the most prestigious events in global sport. Over more than a century, its red clay has witnessed legendary rivalries, marathon matches, and career defining moments.
The tournament is synonymous with clay court mastery. Many of the greatest players in history have lifted the trophy here, but no one has dominated the tournament like Rafael Nadal, who holds the record with an astonishing 14 men’s singles titles, a feat that may never be matched in any Grand Slam.
On the women’s side, legends such as Chris Evert set the standard for excellence with seven Roland Garros singles titles, establishing herself as one of the greatest clay court players of all time.
Other all time greats, including Novak Djokovic, have also left an enormous mark on the tournament with multiple titles and over 100 match wins in Paris.
2025 Champions, New Chapters in Paris
The 2025 edition of Roland Garros delivered two unforgettable champions and added another rich chapter to the tournament’s history.
Men’s Singles, Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz defended his Roland Garros crown in one of the most dramatic finals ever played, defeating Jannik Sinner in a five set epic lasting over five hours. After losing the first two sets, Alcaraz produced an extraordinary comeback to claim his second French Open title and fifth Grand Slam overall.
Women’s Singles, Coco Gauff
On the women’s side, Coco Gauff lifted her first Roland Garros singles title with a stunning victory over Aryna Sabalenka, becoming the first American woman to win the tournament since Serena Williams and confirming her place among the very best players in the world.
What Makes Roland Garros So Unique
Clay court tennis is unlike any other surface in the sport. The slow courts and high bounce mean:
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Rallies are longer
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Matches are more physical
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Strategy and patience are essential
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Fitness and mental strength often decide the outcome
Winning in Paris requires a complete tennis player.
Record Winners and Immortal Names
Roland Garros is home to some of the most incredible records in sport:
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Rafael Nadal, 14 men’s singles titles
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Chris Evert, 7 women’s singles titles
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Novak Djokovic, multiple titles and over 100 match wins at the tournament
These names are forever linked with the identity of Roland Garros.
Roland Garros 2026, The Players to Watch
Looking ahead to Roland Garros 2026, another unforgettable fortnight in Paris awaits.
Men’s Contenders
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Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion and the man to beat on clay
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Jannik Sinner, eager to go one step further after his 2025 final
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Novak Djokovic, whose experience and mentality always make him dangerous
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A new generation of challengers aiming to break through on the biggest clay stage
Women’s Contenders
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Coco Gauff, returning as the reigning champion
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Aryna Sabalenka, one of the most powerful and consistent players on tour
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Iga Świątek, a multiple time champion in Paris and a clay court specialist
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Several rising stars looking to make their breakthrough at a Grand Slam
More Than a Tennis Tournament
Roland Garros is not just a Grand Slam, it is a true test of character, endurance, and sporting intelligence. It is where legends are made, where careers are defined, and where champions are separated from great players.
Two weeks on the Paris clay can change a career forever.
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