Roland Garros is one of the most popular tennis festivals today. It gathers thousands of people who like tennis and want to observe with their eyes the next winner. Currently, Roland Garros is held in Paris and offers a total prize of 50 million euros. This tournament can also be watched for free due to the large screen on the Paris City Hall square. But how to prepare for such an enormous event properly, and what should every tennis fan consider before visiting Roland Garros? In this useful sports guide, we’ll discuss the significance of Roland Garros, the most famous courts, and help you with the ticket information. So, if you’re not a tennis fan yet, it can be changed after reading this text!
What is Roland-Garros?
Roland Garros is one of the 4 Grand Slam tennis tournaments arranged in Paris on the local complex tennis courts. This tense competition is typically held over two 2-week periods: during spring and summer. At the end of tournaments, winners are determined by 9 categories.
This whole event is organized by the respectful French Tennis Federation. Now, Roland Garros is quite a typical and comfy tennis tournament that allows participants from all over the world, but more than 100 years ago, the history of its appearance was closely connected with the war.
The first tournament was held in 1891, and by that time, only French tennis players participated in this tennis event. The first male winner was H. Briggs, and the first female was Adine Masson. Due to its participation restrictions, the tournament wasn’t so popular, and besides, World War I began. The tournament could not take place during the war and was delayed. The situation changed in 1925 when Rollan Garros became an international event. The French began building new courts that could accommodate fans from all over the world. Unfortunately, these courts were used by Nazis as a temporary camp during World War II.
After World War II was over, the tournament was named after the French hero and military pilot – Roland Garros. Despite the fact that from this time on, many changes happened, Roland Garros became the birthplace of the clay court tennis game.
How to Get Tickets for Roland-Garros?
Each year, every tennis fan is given the opportunity to attend the most popular tournament. The tickets are bought at the official Roland Garros website or can be purchased through the various booking services. Every person should present their tickets via mobile application because the printing is no longer available. Before participating in the Roland Garros tournament, make sure that you:
- Assigned the deadline. The tickets should be assigned at least one day before the actual event. If buyers purchase tickets on the same day, they must assign them immediately.
- Identity check. Every person willing to attend Roland Garros should have an ID document that can confirm their identity.
- Purchase tickets from official sources. There are only 4 ways to buy tickets: tickets.rolandgarros.com
and by visiting official ticket agencies.
Avoid unofficial websites such as Viagogo, Ticketbis, Tennisticketservice, Tennisticketnet, Ticketbandle, Eseats, Roundtrip, Mundotours, Acetennistoirs, etc.
Children under 4 years old can enter the court for free, while teenagers under 25 years old can buy a half-price ticket. Due to the fact that the weather in Paris during late spring and summer can be hot, it’s advisable to wear hats and sunglasses and apply sunscreen to yourself and your children. Also, make sure you have enough water.
The next Roland Garros tournament will be from 19 May – 8 June 2025. This means that on this day, there is not much information about tickets. So, subscribe to the newsletter from the official event platform; this way, you’ll be the first to find out about available tickets.
Which Tickets Should I Get at Roland-Garros?
Before actually purchasing tickets to Roland Garros, you need to plan your trip and think about what you want to see at this event. Also, it’ll be wise to consider your financial position because Rolan Garros offers a VIP Pass for all fans who can spend a little more on the ticket. Generally, there are 5 types of tickets: Ground Pass, Court Philippe-Chatrier, Court Suzanne-Lenglen, Court Simonne-Mathieu, and VIP pass. In this part of the guide, we’ll help you investigate the courts precisely (watch the images with 2D renders of each court) and determine the best variant for you.
Ground Pass
Ground pass tickets, or Annex tickets [fr], are passes that guarantee access to the Roland Garros tournament and Annex 2-16 courts. It’s worth noting that this ticket won’t provide entry to Court Philippe-Chatrier or Court Suzanne-Lenglen but provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the tournament and view the French Open tennis matches.
This option is perfect for those fans who are not interested in common and most popular courts and want to investigate different matches. One of these games is the 3rd round Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles competition.
Court Philippe-Chatrier
This famous court was built in 1927 and is located on the west at the Porte d’Auteuil. Philippe-Chatrier could accommodate over 10,000 spectators and, to this day, is considered a central court.
The latest renovation, from 2015 to 2021, allowed the installation of the retractable roof with innovative design and the 5,000-seat construction. All tennis players dream of playing on this court because, on its clay, tennis history has been written for almost 100 years. Thanks to the reliable roof, you will avoid exposure to the sunlight and overheating. In the evening, the entire court will be illuminated so that you won’t miss a single detail during the game. What’s sad is that the tickets for this court are sold for several hours. So if you are late buying them, you can watch the tennis players training during qualification. During this time, the pass to Philippe-Chatrier court is free.
Court Suzanne-Lenglen
Suzanne-Lenglen Court is the second-largest court at Roland Garros. It was named after French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen, who was the first female tennis player. This court was constructed in 1984 and accommodated around 10.068 spectators.
This court also features a retractable roof, which was installed in 2020 after the renovation of Court Philippe Chatrier. Suzanne-Lenglen Court keeps the moments of passion, excitement, and challenging victories. So, every fan can feel a lively atmosphere by watching tennis on this court.
Court Simonne-Mathieu
Court Simone-Mathieu is a botanical oasis among tennis courts. Mathieu was one of the greatest female tennis champions in France, so the court was named after her. One interesting fact about this famous court is that the game happens on a terre battue (clay court) that lies 4.15 meters below ground.
Organizers and avid visitors recommend getting early and taking seats on the east side of the stadium. This can help you enjoy the pleasant shade during the early afternoon. Before games, you can walk the perimeter and see beautiful Orangerie with a myriad of different plants. Moreover, many people can head to the north side and arrange a picnic in a special zone.
VIP Pass
Roland Garros also offers VIP tickets for fans who want to combine exceptional comfort and exciting sports events together. By purchasing VIP tickets, every person will be able to access Philippe-Chatrier court during Day or Night sessions and have access to free seating on outside courts and high stands of Simonne-Mathieu.
What about food and beverages? Every person with a VIP pass will receive lunch and dinner in Le Cercle. Drinks will be served throughout the day. Also, fans will go through the exclusive entrance and have unlimited wi-fi access at all times. Purchase VIP tickets and discover privileged gastronomic services!
What to Do at the French Open?
Take some time to walk the aisles and immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere. The stadiums at Roland Garros are huge, but not the stadiums at the US Open. So, you walk around in peace and visit the famous places of each court. By the same token, you’ll be in Paris, so you do some things before the game starts. For example:
- Champagne Tasting
- A tour of the Palace of Versailles
- Eiffel Tower Tour
- Musee de Louver
- Paris’ Catacombs
Moreover, depending on the ticket you choose, there will be a number of on-site venues. Every tennis court has a signature drink; try to taste it and choose what’s best for you. There’s a hamburger station near Suzanne-Lenglen Court with tasty hamburgers, which are more amazing than the USA ones. And, of course, if you haven’t been to a patisserie, then you haven’t been to Paris. Visit Yann Couvreur patisserie and eat the most delicious French buns.
In addition, you can bet on your favorite tennis player. Many tennis fans are waiting for signature tennis tournaments to try themselves and predict the potential outcome of the game. This can also add a touch of excitement to the game and can help win some money. Check the online betting tennis site 1xBet and try your luck!
What to Bring With?
Before planning to attend Roland Garros, think about the transportation system. Although getting to Roland Garros is pretty easy, there can be huge traffic on the day of the competitions. You need to leave at least 20 minutes beforehand and use a subway or take an Uber ride.
The weather outside will be warm and sunny, so it’s mandatory to wear comfortable clothes, maybe linen, and put on a hat. Also, pay attention to reliable shoes. You’ll walk a lot before the actual game, so wear comfy and practical sneakers. If you’re willing to meet some famous tennis players, bring with you a notebook or something that they can leave an autograph for you.
Is It Worth Visiting the French Open?
Whether you’re visiting the French Open for the first time or you’ve already been at Rolan Garros Stadium countless times, it will never hurt to attend it again. Every year, new tennis players fight for victory, new places around the stadium open, and new exhibits await tennis fans in the museums.
By attending the French Open, you’ll discover the local culture and will be able to touch the history of big tennis. Catch the favorite player warming up on the Practice Course and bring the souvenir for your family from the Roland Garros boutique! Also, kids will be comfortable, too, due to the reliable Kid’s Zone, which offers entertainment and activities for your little ones. Don’t think; buy tickets for the French Open and feel like you are a part of something big!
