The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is a prestigious Grand Slam tournament

Every May, Paris is transformed into the center of the tennis universe when the French Open, also known as Roland Garros, kicks off. Held at the Stade Roland Garros, this prestigious Grand Slam tournament is the pinnacle of clay tennis. Known for its demanding surface that slows down ball speed and rewards strategic play, the French Open attracts the world’s best players who battle for the coveted championship trophy. With passionate spectators cheering under the Parisian sun, the French Open offers an exciting atmosphere that is truly unique.

2024 French Open updates and storylines

As the first week of the French Open unfolds, several matches have already been decided, while others are still ongoing. One of the biggest surprises so far was Henri Squire’s victory over Max Purcell in a thrilling five-set match. At the same time, both Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton secured victories in their respective matches in straight sets. For detailed schedules, results and player information, you can follow the tournament on the official website.

Nadal v. Zverev, 2024 French Open

Novak Djokovic will face Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round of the French Open today. Brit Dan Evans is set to compete against Holger Rune in his tournament opener. Meanwhile, fourteen-time winner Rafael Nadal was defeated by Alexander Zverev, resulting in his early exit from the French Open yesterday.

Rafael Nadal, who has won the French Open a total of 14 times, returned to his favorite tournament on Monday. The 37-year-old Spaniard lost his first-round match against fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

Alize Cornet received a proper farewell on court after her loss to Qinwen Zheng. The French star announced her retirement following the tournament, marking the end of her career with 20 consecutive Roland Garros appearances and 69 consecutive Grand Slam appearances. Qinwen Zheng secured her spot in the second round with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory over Cornet.

Although there was speculation that this could be Nadal’s final appearance at Roland Garros, he recently hinted that he might continue his career, leading to the cancellation of a planned retirement ceremony.

In the women’s tournament, top seed and three-time champion Iga Swiatek aims to extend her recent dominance at Roland Garros. Number one Cameron Norrie starts her campaign against Pavel Kotov, while Harriet Dart meets Linda Noskova.

Experience the French Open and Paris

The French Open delivers an exciting tennis experience, but Paris has much more to offer the curious traveler. Here’s how you can combine world-class tennis with Parisian charm:

The matches: Experience the best players go head-to-head on the iconic clay courts. The atmosphere is electric, especially on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the centerpiece of the tournament.

Off the court: Explore the on-site “Musée de la Fédération Française de Tennis” museum, which delves into the history of French tennis.

Gastronomic delights: Taste French delicacies from the various food stalls, or pack a gourmet picnic to enjoy in the designated areas.

Jardin d’Auteuil: Escape the crowds and find peace in this beautiful botanical garden, just a few steps from Roland Garros.

Stade de Roland Garros: Take a behind-the-scenes tour (tickets sell fast) and explore the players’ areas for a unique perspective.

Eiffel Tower: No trip to Paris is complete without seeing this iconic landmark. Climb the top for breathtaking views of the city.

Eiffel Tower

Seine Cruise: Glide through the heart of Paris on a “Bateaux-Mouches” sightseeing tour where you can admire famous landmarks such as the Louvre and Notre Dame.

Countless museums: Immerse yourself in art at the Louvre, admire Impressionist masterpieces at the Musée d’Orsay, or explore Rodin’s sculptures at the Musée Rodin. (Pro tip, buy a Paris Museum Pass for a discount on entry to many museums and attractions.)

Outside the city, take a day trip to Versailles, the opulent royal palace on the outskirts of Paris. Explore the charming neighborhood of Montmartre, with the iconic Sacré-Coeur basilica and vineyards.

Travel tips

Book your French Open tickets well in advance, especially for the big matches on center court. Paris can be crowded, so plan your transportation and research peak times. Embrace the Parisian café culture, enjoy a croissant and a coffee and spend the afternoon observing the people around you.

By combining the French Open with exploring Paris, your trip will be an unforgettable mix of sporting excitement and cultural immersion.