Organizers of the French Open have announced the inauguration of the second retractable roof at Roland Garros on the opening day of the tournament next month. The new roof, covering the 10,000-seat Suzanne Lenglen court, is part of a project planned with the Paris Olympics in mind.
A ceremony for the roof will be held on May 26, coinciding with the start of the main draws. This addition will provide more flexibility in scheduling matches and ensure play for 25,000 fans on the grounds and TV viewers worldwide.
The main 15,000-seat Philippe Chatrier court already has a retractable roof since 2020, making it easier to manage inclement weather conditions during the tournament.
The two roofed courts are crucial for keeping the Olympic tournament on schedule from July 27 to August 4, following disruptions at the Tokyo Olympics due to extreme weather conditions.
Despite doubts about his readiness for Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal, the 14-time men's singles champion, is expected to participate. Nadal's ranking has dropped to No. 512, raising questions about his seeding for the tournament.
While Wimbledon has favored seeding based on players' history, Mauresmo, the tournament director, has not yet considered special seeding for Nadal at Roland Garros.
The French Open is set to host boxing finals during the second week of the Olympics, adding to the tournament's appeal and demand. The event is already sold out for the first week, with daily crowds of 75,000 expected and a total of about 650,000 attendees across the three weeks, including qualifying rounds.
With the new retractable roof and exciting lineup of events, the 2024 French Open promises to be a memorable and successful tournament for players and fans alike.
