France and tennis. It's a love that has lasted over a century. Parisian clay, the green courts of Roland Garros, elegant French players in white shirts. France has given the world a Grand Slam tournament, created a unique tennis atmosphere, and raised champions who will be remembered forever. Let's figure out why this country is so important for tennis and how tennis has changed France.

Roland Garros: the heart of clay tennis

The Roland Garros tournament (French Open) is the only Grand Slam tournament played on clay. It takes place in Paris, at the Stade Roland Garros stadium, named after the French World War I pilot hero. The first tournament was held in 1891 (then only for French players), it became international in 1925.

Clay is a slow surface, the ball bounces high and spins strongly. This requires incredible endurance, sliding skills, and the ability to play long rallies. French fans are special. They whistle, stomp, sing. They can boo a favorite if they play poorly, and support an underdog if they show determination.

Since 1928, the tournament has been held on Roland Garros courts. The central court is "Philippe Chatrier," named after the former president of the French Tennis Federation. In 2021, the court was equipped with a retractable roof — now matches are not interrupted by rain.

For any tennis player, winning Roland Garros is a special achievement. For the French, it's a national holiday.

French champions: who the country is proud of

The most decorated French tennis player in men's singles is Henri Cochet (4 Grand Slam titles in the 1920-30s). Among modern players — Jean-Noël Grimaud (Roland Garros champion in 1967). But the main hero is Yvon Petra (Roland Garros champion in 1946 and a Roland Garros finalist).

In the 1980s — Yannick Noah, who won Roland Garros in 1983. This was the last Frenchman to win the men's singles tournament in Paris. After him, the French waited 30 years. In 2024, hopes were placed on Arthur菲ls and Lucas Van Assche, but it didn't work out yet.

In women's tennis — Suzanne Lenglen (6 Roland Garros titles in the 1920s). Her name is given to the second-largest court at Roland Garros. Amélie Mauresmo — the world No. 1 in 2004, won Wimbledon and the US Open, but not Roland Garros. Marion Bartoli — Roland Garros champion in 2000.

Today's leaders: Caroline Garcia (was in the top 5), Kristina Mladenovic (successful in doubles). But they don't have a Roland Garros title.

France is also famous for doubles players: Henri Leconte (finalist in singles, champion in doubles), Édouard Roger-Vasselin, Nicolas Mahut (Olympic champions).

The French tennis school: style and character

French tennis players are known for their elegance. They don't just hit, they put on a show. Hence the nickname "classy players" (les classe). Unlike powerful Americans or Scandinavians, the French rely on tactics, short shots, smashes, and net play.

The drawback: they often lack psychological toughness. The French are known for breaking down when it's match point. Examples — Julien Benneteau, who served for the match against Djokovic at Roland Garros and lost. Or Gael Monfils — an incredible athlete, but without a Grand Slam title.

The French Tennis Federation (FFT) invests millions of euros in youth. Academies in Nice, Poitiers, Paris. It is believed that French children start playing tennis before they go to school. Not quite, but close.

The star of the 2020s — Alizé Cornet (retired in 2024). Lucas Pouille (was in the top 10, but broke down due to injuries). New names: Diana Parry, Leolia Jeanjean, Adrian Mannarino (still playing in 2026 at 37 years old).

Grand Slam and French culture

In France, tennis is not an elite sport. It is played in clubs, municipal courts. Almost every town has a court. The clay court season opens in April, everyone plays until October. The level of amateurs is high.

Tennis is reflected in cinema: the film "The Leap" (2012) is about a French tennis player. "Yannick Noah: Life" (2015) is a documentary. In literature: the novel "King of Clay" by Philippe Erwe — about a tennis school.

Tennis fashion: the French have always dressed stylishly. René Lacoste founded the Lacoste brand — a crocodile on the chest. René was a tennis player, won Roland Garros in the 1920s. Today, Lacoste is a symbol of tennis.

Le coq sportif — a French brand that dresses many players. White shirts, panamas, towels — all this is part of French chic.

Roland Garros 2026: what's new

The tournament will take place from May 24 to June 7, 2026. The stadium is expected to be expanded: another court with a roof has been built (in place of court No. 1). Also, the electronic line calling system (Eagle Eye) has been introduced on all central courts.

French hopes: Arthur菲ls (21 years old) broke into the top 20 in 2025. Lucas Van Assche (22 years old) is already in the top 30. The coach of the French team (Gilles Simon, ex-top 10) says that the chance of a Frenchman winning in 2026 is small, but there will be a fight.

In the women's draw — Diana Parry (24 years old) and Leolia Jeanjean (26 years old). They can reach the quarterfinals.

In 2026, a new tradition will be introduced at Roland Garros: after each match, the winner will receive not only a trophy but also a beret — a symbol of French style. Tourists will be thrilled.

France and other tournaments

In addition to Roland Garros, ATP and WTA tournaments are held in France: the Open de Paris (indoor, Masters 1000), the Montpellier Tournament (ATP 250), the Lyon Tournament (ATP 250), the Strasbourg Tournament (WTA 250).

The Paris Masters 1000 (usually in November) is an indoor tournament on hard courts. It is important for the fight for first place in the ranking. Novak Djokovic won there in 2025.

France also hosts the Davis Cup — a team tournament. The final will be held in Lille (Pierre Mauroy Arena) in 2026. The French have won the Davis Cup in 2001, 2017, 2018 (the last time in 2018 with the team: Lengle, Erber, Mahut).

French fans: passion and whistling

The French audience at tennis is a separate character. They can be hostile to favorites if they look boring. They loved Roger Federer, but booed Novak Djokovic at the beginning of his career. In 2026, there will be less booing, but the passion will not fade.

The French love "underdogs" (weak players). If a local player (wild card) is fighting a seeded player, the crowd roars so loudly that the opponent makes mistakes. This helps the French beat stronger players.

Since 2025, "quiet stands" have been introduced at Roland Garros during night sessions — after each point, the audience is silent for 10 seconds so that players can concentrate. But it doesn't work: after 5 seconds, someone shouts "Allez!"

Tennis and the French way of life

In France, tennis is an aperitif. After the game — wine, cheese, baguette. Many clubs have a bar where players discuss matches. This is part of the culture.

Tennis in France is not as popular as football, but prestigious. Elite schools send children to tennis to develop character. In Paris, there is the "Tennis Club de la Mutuelle" — a century-old club where ministers and actors play.

France is the birthplace of the "Tennis 10" method (competitions for children on small courts). This system is now used worldwide.

Love for tennis is also expressed in fashion. Even those who don't play wear Lacoste polos. This is a sign of belonging to "good society."

Grand Slam and France. A country that gave the world clay, elegance, and one of the best tournaments. And while the French wait for their new champion, they don't stop loving this game. And tourists come to Paris in May-June to breathe the air of Roland Garros. Even without tickets. Just walk through the boulevards where posters with tennis players are hanging and feel: tennis is life here.
© library.ug

Permanent link to this publication: