Roland Garros; The French Open tennis tournament

It’s the only tennis Grand Slam event that is played on clay, and is generally considered to be the most physically challenging of them all. In 2015 the greatest tennis players in the world will once again be vying for the honour, prestige and glory that comes with victory in the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland-Garros stadium, and you can be there to cheer on your favourite contenders. Get your tickets now for May 24th to June 7th and enjoy one of the world’s great sporting events, easily accessible from the Hotel Marais Bastille, where we’ll be happy to help with your transport arrangements. 

Experience one of the world’s greatest sporting events

Established in 1925 and held in a venue named after a great French aviator and First World War fighter pilot, Les Internationaux de France de Tennis, Roland-Garros is steeped in tradition and prestige. It is the premiere clay court tournament in the world and provides the climax of the spring clay court season. It is the second of the four annual Grand Slam tennis events and the only one held on clay.

Clay is a demanding surface and not every player, even those who dominate on hard and grass courts, is capable of rising to the occasion. Clay courts slow down the ball and cause it to bounce high, producing fewer unreturnable shots and allowing for longer points, thereby reducing the advantage held by big servers and turning the game into one of stamina and endurance as well as strength and skill. Players with a huge serve such as Pete Sampras have never fared as well on this surface, leading to the dominance by those referred to as clay court specialists. These are players who have learned to use the special qualities of clay to their advantage. The physical demands on the players are intense and staggering, making the French Open a breathtakingly exciting event for spectators.

Rafael Nadal was the winner of the Men’s Singles in 2014. This was the Spanish ace’s 14th Grand Slam singles title. It was also his ninth victory at Roland-Garros and his fifth in a row. Will he make it ten this year? Also, will Maria Sharapova lift a third Roland-Garros Women’s Singles trophy? You can be there to find out the answers to these questions in person, with all the thrills and excitement that entails.

Days out at the Roland-Garros stadium are always a joy, with the fine facilities including a tennis museum and a number of excellent places to eat, from takeaway food points to restaurants offering traditional French cuisine. There are also several refreshment points selling cold drinks and ice cream dotted throughout the venue.

New in 2015 is the offer of a half price entry fee for spectators under 20 years old during the climactic match days of the 6th and 7th of June.

******

French Open tennis tournament Rolland Garros : 01 47 43 51 11 Subway : Line 9 : Mairie de Montreuil - Pont de Sèvres (stations Michel-Ange Auteuil ou Michel-Ange Molitor) Line 10 : Gare d'Austerlitz - Boulogne (stations Porte d'Auteuil ou Boulogne Jean-Jaurès)

~oOo~

Picture Roland Garros 2013 copyright holder: Passion Leica, on Flickr

Hotel Marais Bastille, a 3 star Design hotel in the heart of Paris.