Grand Slams
French Open tickets: Roland-Garros guide
Roland-Garros — the French Open — is the great clay-court Grand Slam, held in Paris each spring. The slow red clay rewards stamina and patience, producing some of the longest, most physical matches in tennis. It’s a glorious event to attend, but tickets are in high demand, so it pays to understand how the system works before you try.
When and where
The French Open is usually held from late May into early June at the Stade Roland-Garros in the west of Paris, near the Bois de Boulogne. It’s the only Grand Slam played on clay, which gives it a distinctive look — the famous terre battue — and a slower, more attritional style of play. The main courts, including the central stadium, now have roofs, so rain is less likely to wash out the headline matches. Exact dates shift each year, so check the official site.
The courts
Roland-Garros centres on its show courts: the main stadium, the second show court and the third, each with its own atmosphere and price tier. Beyond them lie the outside courts, where you can watch early rounds and qualifying up close. The site sits in a leafy corner of Paris and is compact enough to explore on foot, which makes a grounds pass a lovely way to spend a day in the first week.
Ticket types you’ll encounter
- Show-court tickets — reserved seats in the main stadiums, the priciest and most sought-after.
- Grounds passes — access to the site and the outside courts, the most affordable option, best in the first week.
- Qualifying-week tickets — entry during the rounds before the main draw, often cheaper and less crowded.
- Hospitality packages — premium seating bundled with food and drink, sold through official channels.
First week vs second week
| First week | Second week | |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | Full draws across many courts | Quarter-finals, semis and finals |
| Grounds pass value | Excellent — lots to watch | Limited — fewer outside matches |
| Demand & price | Lower | Highest, peaking at the finals |
If value and variety matter more than seeing the latter stages, the first week is the smart choice.
Why clay changes everything
Clay is the slowest of the three Grand Slam surfaces. The ball sits up higher and travels more slowly, which favours heavy topspin, sliding movement and long baseline rallies. Matches can stretch on, so a single show-court ticket can deliver hours of tennis. It’s a very different spectacle from the quick points of grass at Wimbledon — and part of what makes attending Roland-Garros special.