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Paris, Power Plays, and Aces: Inside Roland Garros 2025

Tennis fans now turn their attention to the Roland Garros stadium, one of the most emblematic venues of the sport, where the clay Grand Slam takes place from May 25 to June 8.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo May 19, 2025

Roland Garros offers both food and retail opportunities, the on-site fare leans toward typical stadium offerings / Photo via Roland Garros — Roland Garros offers both food and retail opportunities, the on-site fare leans toward typical stadium offerings / Photo via Rolex

For those who appreciate the game in moderation and also enjoy the charm of Paris beyond the courts, the French Open provides the perfect excuse to blend elite sport with the city’s famed shopping and dining experiences. While Roland Garros offers both food and retail opportunities, the on-site fare leans toward typical stadium offerings—an option that becomes less appealing after a few days.

For the uninitiated, the French Open—held annually at Roland Garros in late May and early June—is one of the four prestigious Grand Slam tournaments in tennis. Known for its red clay courts and deep-rooted traditions, this Parisian event holds a special place in the sport’s calendar.

The 2024 tournament stood out for a major shift in the tennis landscape. For the first time in over twenty years, the men’s singles final did not feature any of the legendary Big Three: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic. This marked the beginning of a new era, one that promises fresh narratives and rising stars on the famed clay courts.

Tickets, tips, and triumphs

There’s a unique challenge to playing on clay—a surface that demands patience, grit, and adaptability. Rafael Nadal’s dominance on these courts is legendary, and many players, including Maria Sharapova, have famously likened the experience to “a cow on ice”. Anyone who has transitioned from green clay to the European red understands exactly what she meant.

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For spectators, the ticketing system is key to making the most of the experience. It’s strongly recommended to buy tickets through official channels such as the French Tennis Federation, approved tour providers, or trusted credit card perks like those from AMEX. A variety of ticket options suit different interests and budgets:

Individual Court Tickets: Reserved access to premier courts like Philippe-Chatrier, Suzanne-Lenglen, or Simonne-Mathieu.
Ground Passes: Ideal for the first week, these grant access to outer courts where up-and-coming and popular players often compete.
Multi-day Passes: Flexible packages tailored to different stages of the tournament.
Premium Packages: For those seeking a VIP experience with added hospitality and exclusive entry areas.

The ticket resale market moves quickly. Listings appear frequently on the official resale site, often at reasonable prices. However, speed is crucial—once available, tickets tend to be snapped up almost instantly by eager buyers.

Queen and king of clay

This year, fans are watching to see whether the reigning champions can defend their titles. Carlos Alcaraz, after winning both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2024, enters the tournament with odds favoring him at 6/4. Though he has already claimed four Grand Slam titles, his early exit from the Australian Open—eliminated by Djokovic—has left some questioning his current form on clay.

In the women’s draw, Iga Swiatek remains the player to beat. Nicknamed the “Queen of Clay”, Swiatek has lifted the Roland Garros trophy in 2020, 2022, 2023, and most recently in 2024. Despite falling short in the semifinals of the Australian Open to Madison Keys, her dominance in Paris keeps her firmly positioned as the favorite, with odds set at 11/8.

Key information

What is Roland Garros known for? It's one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, famous for its red clay courts.
Who are the reigning champions mentioned for 2024? Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek.
What type of ticket is best during the first week? A ground pass as it offers access to many exciting matches on the outer courts.
What makes the 2024 Roland Garros notable? It’s the first time in over 20 years that the men’s final didn’t include Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic.

Paris, Power Plays, and Aces: Inside Roland Garros 2025

Tickets, tips, and triumphs

Queen and king of clay

Key information

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