The upcoming French Open is set to make history with the inauguration of a second retractable roof at Roland Garros. This new addition, which will cover the 10,000-seat Suzanne Lenglen court, is a part of a larger project planned in anticipation of the Paris Olympics. With the opening day of the tournament just around the corner, the organizers have announced that a ceremony will be held on May 26 to mark the occasion.
One of the key benefits of the new retractable roof is the increased flexibility it provides in scheduling matches. According to tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, the roof can be closed in approximately 15 minutes, ensuring that play can continue even in inclement weather. This will not only benefit the players but also the 25,000 fans on the grounds and TV viewers worldwide.
The addition of the second retractable roof at Roland Garros is also expected to have a positive impact on the Paris Olympics scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 4. The availability of two roofed courts will help ensure that matches can proceed according to schedule, reducing the risk of disruptions due to weather conditions. This is especially important considering the challenges faced by the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where matches on open-air courts were affected by extreme heat and humidity.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new retractable roof, there are concerns about the participation of Rafael Nadal in this year’s French Open. The 37-year-old, who holds a record 14 French Open men’s singles titles, has cast doubts on his readiness for the tournament due to ongoing injuries. Nadal, who has played only five matches this year, is currently ranked No. 512 in the world and is unlikely to be seeded in the French Open draw.
In addition to the new retractable roof, the French Open is set to feature boxing finals in the second week of the Olympics. According to Mauresmo, these additional attractions have had a positive effect on demand for the tournament. The first week of the French Open is already sold out, with daily crowds of 75,000 expected and a total of about 650,000 attendees across the three weeks, including qualifying rounds.
Overall, the inauguration of the second retractable roof at Roland Garros marks a significant milestone for the French Open. With enhanced flexibility in scheduling matches, reduced risk of weather-related disruptions, and additional attractions planned for the Paris Olympics, this year’s tournament promises to be an exciting and memorable event for players, fans, and viewers worldwide.
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