Where Is the French Open Tennis Played? | Roland Garros Venue

By Sarah Miller · July 27, 2052

The French Open tennis tournament is played at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. This world-renowned clay court complex has been the permanent home of the French Open since 1928 and features iconic courts such as Court Philippe-Chatrier, Court Suzanne Lenglen, and Court Simonne Mathieu.

Overview of the French Open Venue

The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and the premier clay-court championship globally. Held annually in late May to early June, it attracts top players from around the world to compete on the red clay surface at Stade Roland Garros.

Key Facts About Stade Roland Garros

Location: Auteuil, 16th arrondissement of Paris, France
Established: 1928
Surface: Red clay (crushed brick)
Main Stadium Capacity: Approximately 15,000 (Court Philippe-Chatrier)
Tournament Duration: Two weeks, typically from last week of May to first week of June
Managed by: Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT)

History and Significance of the Location

Stade Roland Garros was constructed in 1928 to host France's defense of the Davis Cup. It was named after Roland Garros, a pioneering French aviator and World War I hero. The site was chosen for its accessibility and space within Paris, and it has since become synonymous with elite clay-court tennis.

Over the decades, the venue has undergone numerous renovations to modernize facilities while preserving its unique character. Notably, Court Philippe-Chatrier received a retractable roof in 2020, allowing play during rain delays—a significant upgrade for the tournament’s scheduling reliability.

Courts at Stade Roland Garros

The complex comprises multiple courts, each serving different roles during the tournament:

Main Competition Courts

Court Philippe-Chatrier: Center court and largest stadium; hosts finals and marquee matches.
Court Suzanne Lenglen: Second largest; known for its lively atmosphere.

Court Simonne Mathieu

Outer Courts (e.g., Court 4, Court 6): Host early-round matches and rising stars.

Court Name	Capacity	Year Opened	Surface	Roof?
Philippe-Chatrier	15,225	1928 (rebuilt 2019)	Red Clay	Yes
Suzanne Lenglen	10,068	1994	Red Clay	No
Simonne Mathieu	5,000	2019	Red Clay	No
Court 4 (historical)	~2,400	1980	Red Clay	No

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights the evolution of infrastructure at Stade Roland Garros. The modernization of Court Philippe-Chatrier significantly increased seating and added weather protection, reflecting growing global demand. Meanwhile, newer courts like Simonne Mathieu emphasize sustainability and spectator experience, blending architecture with nature.

Why Is the French Open Played on Clay?

Clay courts are central to the identity of the French Open. The crushed red brick surface slows down ball speed and produces higher bounce, favoring baseline players with strong endurance and tactical variety.

Impact of Clay Surface

Longer rallies due to slower ball rebound
Greater physical demands—matches often exceed three hours
Advantage to topspin-heavy players (e.g., Rafael Nadal)
Increased importance of footwork and sliding technique

This surface differentiates Roland Garros from other Grand Slams—Wimbledon (grass), US Open (hard), and Australian Open (hard)—making it a unique challenge in the tennis calendar.

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

Stade Roland Garros is easily accessible via public transportation, including Metro Line 9 (Michel-Ange–Molitor station) and several bus lines. During the tournament, the site welcomes over 500,000 spectators, offering food stands, merchandise shops, player autograph sessions, and interactive exhibits.

Efforts have been made to improve fan comfort, including shade structures, hydration stations, and multilingual signage. The FFT also offers guided tours year-round, allowing fans to explore behind-the-scenes areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About the French Open Location

Where exactly is the French Open held in Paris?

The French Open is held at Stade Roland Garros, located at Avenue Gordon Bennett, 75016 Paris, France, in the Auteuil neighborhood near Bois de Boulogne.

Why is the French Open called Roland Garros?

The tournament is named after Roland Garros, a French aviator and World War I hero. The stadium was named in his honor when it opened in 1928.

Can you visit Stade Roland Garros outside the tournament?

Yes, Stade Roland Garros offers guided tours throughout the year, allowing visitors to see the courts, locker rooms, and museum exhibits even when no matches are being played.

How do I get tickets to the French Open?

Tickets can be purchased through the official Roland Garros website. Options include session passes, ground passes, and hospitality packages, with sales typically opening in April.

Has the location of the French Open changed over time?

No, the French Open has been held at Stade Roland Garros since 1928. Before that, it was played at the Stade Français in Saint-Cloud, but the current site has remained its permanent home.