Roland Garros: A Visual Guide to the Iconic French Open Clay Court Grand Slam
As the French Open reaches its dramatic final stages, all eyes turn to the iconic red clay courts of Roland Garros in Paris.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka battled past defending champion and four-time titleholder Iga Świątek to earn her place in the women’s final, where she’ll face American sensation Coco Gauff, who ended Lois Boisson’s dream run.
On the men’s side, Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti to secure a thrilling final showdown against current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
With high-stakes matches and historic rivalries unfolding, the weekend promises unforgettable moments on the legendary clay of Roland Garros.
A Legacy Rooted in History
Originally launched in 1891 as the “French Clay-Court Championships,” the tournament was limited to French competitors. It wasn't until 1925 that international players were welcomed, officially establishing the French Open as a global tennis event.
In 1927, a new stadium was constructed for France’s Davis Cup defense and named after Roland Garros, a World War I aviation hero—not a tennis player. The venue has since become synonymous with world-class clay court tennis.
As one of the sport’s four Grand Slams—alongside Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open—the French Open is the only major played on a clay surface, offering a distinctive challenge to even the most seasoned athletes.
The Clay Court Advantage
Though it may appear simple, the court’s thin 1-2mm layer of crushed red brick significantly alters gameplay. Clay is the slowest of the three main tennis surfaces, demanding more stamina and strategy due to longer rallies and extended points.
The higher bounce and increased friction of clay courts favor players with strong topspin and precise shot placement, often turning matches into mental battles comparable to chess.
Matches can last significantly longer, pushing players to their physical limits—especially in grueling best-of-five set formats.
Even Novak Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history, has acknowledged the unique challenge clay presents.
“It’s a very demanding surface,” Djokovic said after winning his first clay match since completing his historic “Golden Slam” at the Paris Olympics. “Compared to other courts, you always have to expect an extra shot or two. Nothing comes easy on clay.”
Why Roland Garros Remains Special
With its rich heritage, distinctive surface, and legacy of unforgettable matches, Roland Garros continues to be one of tennis’ most cherished stages. Whether you're watching rising stars or legendary champions, the clay of Paris offers drama, endurance, and brilliance every single year.
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