Discover Roland-Garros stadium, an international tennis hotspot and an exceptional venue that hosts one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. In just under a century, the greatest champions of the tennis world have all played on the red clay at Roland-Garros. Now you, too, have the chance to be part of this unique environment.
History of Roland-Garros stadium
Roland-Garros stadium is an emblematic tennis venue located in the French capital’s 16th arrondissement. It was inaugurated in 1928, the year in which it hosted the Internationaux de France for the very first time, a tennis tournament that is commonly known as Roland-Garros, named after a famous French pilot.
Over the decades, the stadium has been extended and modernised to fulfil the international standards set for tennis tournaments. The event has become one of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments and one of the Grand Slams, which attract the best tennis players on the planet as well as thousands of spectators every year. The history of Roland-Garros stadium is closely linked to the evolution of modern tennis and the breakthrough of many legendary champions.
A few details about the site
- Inaugurated in 1928:
The complex was first opened in 1928 to host the Internationaux de France tennis tournament. At the time, it had five courts and covered over 3.25 hectares.
- Named after Roland Garros:
Roland-Garros stadium was named after a famous French fighter pilot, who was known for his altitude records and aerial exploits. He was also a First World War hero.
- A unique Grand Slam:
Over the decades, the Internationaux de France developed a reputation for being one of the world’s most challenging and prestigious tennis tournaments. It particularly stands out because it is the only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments to be played on clay. Considered the best in the world, the clay surface is carefully maintained thanks to the expertise of the stadium’s ground staff.
- Development over the years:
The site has been extended several times in order to fulfil the international tennis standards, and is constantly being modernised to welcome more spectators in an exceptional setting. The most recent changes include the creation of Court 14 (2018) and Simonne-Mathieu court (2019), the renovation of the legendary Philippe-Chatrier court and the addition of its retractable roof (2020), and the installation of a roof on Suzanne-Lenglen court (2024).
- Historic moments:
Roland-Garros stadium has been the arena for a great many tennis exploits, specifically those featuring legendary players like Rafael Nadal, who holds the record for 14 titles won at Roland-Garros. Not forgetting Chris Evert, Bjorn Borg, Steffi Graf and many more.
- A unique atmosphere:
Roland-Garros is well known for its vibrant and electric atmosphere during the tournament, which attracts thousands of avid spectators every year.
Map of the stadium Roland-Garros
How to get to Roland-Garros stadium
Roland-Garros Stadium
2, Gordon-Bennett Avenue
75016 Paris
Vélib station 5 minutes away
Navitia / RATP / Opendata data