Roland Garros is set to return to Porte d'Auteuil in Paris from May 25 to June 8, 2025, promising thrilling moments on clay for spectators and TV viewers alike. Tennis fans eagerly await the tournament as the French Tennis Federation prepares for the opening of ticket sales to the general public, which will commence on January 27, 2025.
To improve access and combat issues related to fraud and parallel markets, the ticketing system has undergone significant changes. This time around, interested attendees are encouraged to register on the official Roland Garros website from 10 am on January 27 until February 9. Selected participants will receive email notifications to purchase their tickets starting in early March of this year.
Concerning the number of tickets available, attendees can purchase up to four for the main courts and the same number for side courts, with 15 tickets offered for the opening week and on side courts during the event's final week from June 2 to June 8.
While anticipation mounts for the 2025 edition, fans can also appreciate the artistic side of the tournament, as this year's poster was crafted by French artist Marc-Antoine Mathieu, showcasing the enduring spirit of the event.
Delving back to the tournament’s history, Roland Garros, otherwise known as the French Open, has become one of the sport's premier competitions since its inception. It was launched in 1925 and has taken place at the Roland Garros stadium since 1928, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Named after the aviator Roland Garros, who died during World War I, the tournament has grown from hosting the Davis Cup to becoming one of the four Grand Slam events, alongside the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
The 2025 tournament will continue the illustrious tradition of the clay courts of Roland Garros, which have been the backdrop for many legendary matches. Historical figures such as the Four Musketeers—Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet, and René Lacoste—dominated the sport's early history, solidifying France’s role as a tennis powerhouse.
Recently, Stefanos Tsitsipas reflected on his past encounter with Novak Djokovic during the 2021 Roland Garros final. On Caroline Garcia's "Tennis Insider Club" podcast, Tsitsipas detailed his experience of taking a 2-0 set lead, only to watch Djokovic complete a remarkable comeback. "I knew he had much more experience than me in finals, but I had nothing to lose," Tsitsipas stated, expressing how he felt confident initially. Yet, he acknowledged his mistake of adhering to his superstition of not eating during matches, leading to his energy depletion. "I made a big mistake in the final... I didn't eat. I learned from it; superstitions aren't always beneficial," Tsitsipas elaborated.
Despite the heartbreak of losing, he remained composed and stated, "It's the only thing I regret about the final... I didn't panic, and I didn't choke." Tsitsipas recognized Djokovic's superior preparation and skill, commenting, "Even though I felt it wasn't fair, it was fair. My opponent was simply more prepared for the battle." This anecdote serves as just one reminder of the tensions and emotions intertwined within the tournament's history.
While athletes are pivotal to Roland Garros, other dedicated individuals, such as ball boys and girls, play their part quietly. Many of these young volunteers, ages 11 to 16, are passionate about tennis and see their unpaid roles as unique opportunities to engage with their heroes. They don't receive financial compensation but often walk away with prizes for their hard work.
Stade Roland Garros has evolved significantly over the years, now capable of accommodating up to 15,000 spectators on its largest court. The Tennis Museum on-site celebrates the rich history of the tournament, showcasing 14,000 items and documents, including athletes' memorabilia, the evolution of tennis equipment, and the prestigious cups awarded over the years. The competition has substantial cash prizes, with participants competing for more than just glory; they aim for bonuses up to 2.2 million euros!
The local favorites and global stars have made significant marks on the event's narrative, with legends like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic dominating recent decades. Since the Open era's rise, these three icons have stood at the center of men's tennis. The last French champions, Yannick Noah and Mary Pierce, won their titles long ago and remain cherished figures.
Fans are hopeful as the 2025 tournament approaches, eagerly contemplating who will take the crown. Whether you'll be experiencing the thrill at the courtside or following along from home, Roland Garros is sure to deliver memorable moments and fervent competition once again!