Roland Garros 2026: Dates, Tickets, and How to Attend the French Open
FAQFriday, 15 May 2026 at 09:30
The second Grand Slam of the year is approaching rapidly. Roland Garros (also known as the French Open) will host the best players in the world with one of the biggest titles in the sport up for grabs. But where is Roland Garros, and when does it take place?
The 126th edition of the French Open is set to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors. Last year's will be hard to match. The top two players in men's tennis, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, played out one of the great Grand Slam finals. Alcaraz reigned supreme after coming back from a two-set deficit and saving three championship points. On the women's side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka's quest for glory in the French capital was blighted by Coco Gauff, who won a second Grand Slam title. It is set to be watched by millions around the world, eagerly anticipating seeing what new storylines are written.
Here is all the info you need to know about Roland Garros.
1. When Does Roland Garros 2026 Start?
2. Where Is Roland Garros Played? A Look at Stade Roland-Garros
3. What Is Roland Garros? History and Significance
4. How to get to Roland Garros
5. Key Dates for the 2026 Roland Garros
6. Who Are the Defending Champions?
7. How to Get Tickets for Roland Garros 2026
8. How to Watch Roland Garros Live: TV and Streaming Info
9. What Makes Roland Garros Unique?
10. Why could Roland Garros 2026 be special?
2. Where Is Roland Garros Played? A Look at Stade Roland-Garros
3. What Is Roland Garros? History and Significance
4. How to get to Roland Garros
5. Key Dates for the 2026 Roland Garros
6. Who Are the Defending Champions?
7. How to Get Tickets for Roland Garros 2026
8. How to Watch Roland Garros Live: TV and Streaming Info
9. What Makes Roland Garros Unique?
10. Why could Roland Garros 2026 be special?
1. When Does Roland Garros 2026 Start?
Tennis fans will not have to wait long for the second Grand Slam in 2026 to commence. The tournament will begin on Sunday, 24th March and will be played until Sunday, 7th June. Once a 14-day tournament beginning on a Monday, like the other Grand Slam tournament Roland Garros adopted a Sunday start from the 2021 edition onwards.
Those are the dates for the main draw. For many tennis players, Roland Garros begins with qualifying. The qualification rounds will take place from Monday, 18th May to Friday, 22nd May, leaving a day's gap between the culmination of qualifying and the beginning of the main draw. Qualifying is split into three rounds. 128 players enter but only 16 can make it through to the ATP and WTA draw respectively. The likes of Grigor Dimitrov, Sloane Stephens and Bianca Andreescu are among the names in action.
2. Where Is Roland Garros Played? A Look at Stade Roland-Garros
The French Open is held at Stade Roland-Garros in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France. It has hosted the tournament from 1928 and boasts four main show courts:
| Court | Description | Capacity | Extra |
| Court Philippe-Chatrier | Main stadium court of Roland Garros | Approximately 15,000 | Features a retractable roof |
| Court Suzanne-Lenglen | Second-largest court at the tournament | Approximately 10,000 | — |
| Court Simonne-Mathieu | Located within the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil greenhouses | Approximately 5,000 | Unique setting surrounded by greenhouses |
| Court 14 | Modern outer “mini-stadium” court | Approximately 2,200 | Known for its intimate atmosphere |
In total, there are 20 courts used for competitions, ranging from Courts 2-14 among others in the complex. Along with that, there are a number of practice courts and fan zones that make Roland Garros a special place to be for spectators.
Roland Garros Stadium 2026
3. What Is Roland Garros? History and Significance
The tournament first came about in 1891. It was only opened to members of French tennis clubs, making it very limited and selective on who competes. This would stop in 1925 as it opened its doors to international tennis players, thus making it one of the biggest tournaments in tennis.
Stade Roland-Garros was built in 1928 as French tennis flourished. This was off the back of their triumph in the Davis Cup, backing up their success in 1927. It was the first Grand Slam tournament of the 'Open Era.' It was the third Grand Slam to introduce equal pay in 2006, following in the footsteps of the US Open (1973) and the Australian Open (2001).
Read also
It became the iconic venue everybody knows it as today, utilising the traditional red clay favoured among the countries on Europe. It is the only major event on clay, making it very unique in this aspect.
4. How to get to Roland Garros
Getting to the French Open at Stade Roland-Garros in Paris is relatively easy whether you are located in the city or suburbs of Paris, or coming from abroad with there many transport links in the French capital
Most spectators would use the Paris Metro, labelled at the easiest way to get there. The nearest stations are the Paris Metro Line 9 - Michel-Ange Auteuil, Michel-Ange Molitor, and the Paris Metro Line 10 - Porte d'Auteuil, Bolougne Jean-Jaures. The walk from the station varies from 5-15 minutes depending on where you get off and what court you are intended on going to.
There are a number of bus routes that are located around Paris that stop by the facilities. The best ones are Porte d’Auteuil and Boulogne. Taxis can also be relied upon to drop you off by the stadium. Buses and taxis may encounter traffic problems at times.
If coming in from air, the two main airports are Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport. The Charles de Gaulle Airport will take around 60-90 minutes by train or metro with the Paris Orly Airport taking around 45-60 minutes.
5. Key Dates for the 2026 Roland Garros
| Date | Event |
| Monday 18 – Friday 22 May 2026 | Qualifying tournament (Opening Week) |
| Thursday 21 May 2026 | Main draw ceremony |
| Sunday 24 May 2026 | Main draw begins (Opening Sunday) |
| Sunday 24 – Tuesday 26 May 2026 | First Round |
| Wednesday 27 – Thursday 28 May 2026 | Second Round |
| Friday 29 – Saturday 30 May 2026 | Third Round |
| Sunday 31 May – Monday 1 June 2026 | Fourth Round |
| Tuesday 2 – Wednesday 3 June 2026 | Quarterfinals |
| Thursday 4 June 2026 | Women’s semifinals |
| Friday 5 June 2026 | Men’s semifinals |
| Saturday 6 June 2026 | Women’s singles final |
| Sunday 7 June 2026 | Men’s singles final |
Every day features two sessions - one during the day and one at night. The night sessions were first introduced in 2021.
6. Who Are the Defending Champions?
In the men's Carlos Alcaraz is the defending champion after surviving match points in a gruelling battle with Jannik Sinner. However, the two-time defending champion will relinquish the chance of making it a hat-trick due to a wrist injury.
There was a new winner in the women's tournament in 2025. Coco Gauff took down the world number one Aryna Sabalenka in three sets whilst ending the dominance of Iga Swiatek on the clay courts in Paris.
Coco Gauff won Roland Garros 2026
Roland Garros – Men’s Singles Winners (2000–2025)
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Result |
| 2000 | Gustavo Kuerten | Magnus Norman | 6–2, 6–3, 2–6, 7–6(8–6) |
| 2001 | Gustavo Kuerten | Àlex Corretja | 6–7(3–7), 7–5, 6–2, 6–0 |
| 2002 | Albert Costa | Juan Carlos Ferrero | 6–1, 6–0, 4–6, 6–3 |
| 2003 | Juan Carlos Ferrero | Martin Verkerk | 6–1, 6–3, 6–2 |
| 2004 | Gastón Gaudio | Guillermo Coria | 0–6, 3–6, 6–4, 6–1, 8–6 |
| 2005 | Rafael Nadal | Mariano Puerta | 6–7(6–8), 6–3, 6–1, 7–5 |
| 2006 | Rafael Nadal | Roger Federer | 1–6, 6–1, 6–4, 7–6(7–4) |
| 2007 | Rafael Nadal | Roger Federer | 6–3, 4–6, 6–3, 6–4 |
| 2008 | Rafael Nadal | Roger Federer | 6–1, 6–3, 6–0 |
| 2009 | Roger Federer | Robin Söderling | 6–1, 7–6(7–1), 6–4 |
| 2010 | Rafael Nadal | Robin Söderling | 6–4, 6–2, 6–4 |
| 2011 | Rafael Nadal | Roger Federer | 7–5, 7–6(7–3), 5–7, 6–1 |
| 2012 | Rafael Nadal | Novak Djokovic | 6–4, 6–3, 2–6, 7–5 |
| 2013 | Rafael Nadal | David Ferrer | 6–3, 6–2, 6–3 |
| 2014 | Rafael Nadal | Novak Djokovic | 3–6, 7–5, 6–2, 6–4 |
| 2015 | Stan Wawrinka | Novak Djokovic | 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4 |
| 2016 | Novak Djokovic | Andy Murray | 3–6, 6–1, 6–2, 6–4 |
| 2017 | Rafael Nadal | Stan Wawrinka | 6–2, 6–3, 6–1 |
| 2018 | Rafael Nadal | Dominic Thiem | 6–4, 6–3, 6–2 |
| 2019 | Rafael Nadal | Dominic Thiem | 6–3, 5–7, 6–1, 6–1 |
| 2020 | Rafael Nadal | Novak Djokovic | 6–0, 6–2, 7–5 |
| 2021 | Novak Djokovic | Stefanos Tsitsipas | 6–7(6–8), 2–6, 6–3, 6–2, 6–4 |
| 2022 | Rafael Nadal | Casper Ruud | 6–3, 6–3, 6–0 |
| 2023 | Novak Djokovic | Casper Ruud | 7–6(7–1), 6–3, 7–5 |
| 2024 | Carlos Alcaraz | Alexander Zverev | 6–3, 2–6, 5–7, 6–1, 6–2 |
| 2025 | Carlos Alcaraz | Jannik Sinner | 4–6, 6–7(4–7), 6–4, 7–6(7–3), 7–6(10–2) |
Roland Garros – Women's Singles Winners (2000–2025)
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Result |
| 2000 | Mary Pierce | Conchita Martínez | 6–2, 7–5 |
| 2001 | Jennifer Capriati | Kim Clijsters | 1–6, 6–4, 12–10 |
| 2002 | Serena Williams | Venus Williams | 7–5, 6–3 |
| 2003 | Justine Henin | Kim Clijsters | 6–0, 6–4 |
| 2004 | Anastasia Myskina | Elena Dementieva | 6–1, 6–2 |
| 2005 | Justine Henin | Mary Pierce | 6–1, 6–1 |
| 2006 | Justine Henin | Svetlana Kuznetsova | 6–4, 6–4 |
| 2007 | Justine Henin | Ana Ivanovic | 6–1, 6–2 |
| 2008 | Ana Ivanovic | Dinara Safina | 6–4, 6–3 |
| 2009 | Svetlana Kuznetsova | Dinara Safina | 6–4, 6–2 |
| 2010 | Francesca Schiavone | Samantha Stosur | 6–4, 7–6(7–2) |
| 2011 | Li Na | Francesca Schiavone | 6–4, 7–6(7–0) |
| 2012 | Maria Sharapova | Sara Errani | 6–3, 6–2 |
| 2013 | Serena Williams | Maria Sharapova | 6–4, 6–4 |
| 2014 | Maria Sharapova | Simona Halep | 6–4, 6–7(5–7), 6–4 |
| 2015 | Serena Williams | Lucie Šafářová | 6–3, 6–7(2–7), 6–2 |
| 2016 | Garbiñe Muguruza | Serena Williams | 7–5, 6–4 |
| 2017 | Jeļena Ostapenko | Simona Halep | 4–6, 6–4, 6–3 |
| 2018 | Simona Halep | Sloane Stephens | 3–6, 6–4, 6–1 |
| 2019 | Ashleigh Barty | Markéta Vondroušová | 6–1, 6–3 |
| 2020 | Iga Świątek | Sofia Kenin | 6–4, 6–1 |
| 2021 | Barbora Krejčíková | Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova | 6–1, 2–6, 6–4 |
| 2022 | Iga Świątek | Coco Gauff | 6–1, 6–3 |
| 2023 | Iga Świątek | Karolína Muchová | 6–2, 5–7, 6–4 |
| 2024 | Iga Świątek | Jasmine Paolini | 6–2, 6–1 |
| 2025 | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 6–7(5–7), 6–2, 6–4 |
7. How to Get Tickets for Roland Garros 2026
With the tournament so close to commencing, tickets are starting to become scarce with them being snapped up by eager spectators wanting to watch some live Grand Slam action. Any tickets can be bought on the Roland Garros ticket website.
To do this, go to the Roland Garros ticket site, log in and check 'last minute sells' and 'official resales.' Refresh regularly in case something pops up. They will be in high demand so quicker snapping them up the better.
8. How to Watch Roland Garros Live: TV and Streaming Info
| Country/Region | Broadcaster | Coverage Details |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports | Live coverage of the tournament |
| United Kingdom | HBO Max | Streaming platform for live coverage |
| United States | Warner Bros. Discovery / TNT Sports | Full tournament coverage |
| Australia | Nine Network | Free-to-air coverage |
| Australia | Stan Sport | Live streaming coverage |
| Canada | TSN | English-language coverage |
| Canada | RDS | French-language coverage |
| Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Portugal and more | Eurosport | Live coverage of the Grand Slam tournament |
9. What Makes Roland Garros Unique?
There are many reasons why Roland Garros stands out from the next tournament. It is the only Grand Slam played on clay, giving it huge significance. This brings out a whole new group of challengers who prefer playing on the dirt while brewing some very special matchups to cap off the exhilarating clay swing. The surface is the slowest with makes for more drawn-out and exciting points.
If you have ever watched Roalnd Garros before, the atmosphere may have caught your attention. Rowdy and passionate fans in the proximity of the court with a strong French culture in the sport making for an electric atmosphere, especially when one of their own are on court.
Unlike the other Grand Slam tournaments, Roland Garros still utilises line judges, favouring the human perspective over automatic line-calling technology. It is the only major tournament to keep this tradition in place with many other competitions around the world having long-ditched line judges in favour of technology.
Carlos Alcaraz won Roland Garros 2025, but will not compete in this year's edition
10. Why could Roland Garros 2026 be special?
- For a start, it is a Grand Slam. The best players will be competing along with plucky challengers looking to make a name for themselves. There are always new storylines being written and headlines around each corner.
- A new name on the trophy is very likely to be etched on the men's side. Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka are the only former champions competing with Carlos Alcaraz injured and Nadal, Federer, etc. all retired. This could allow world number one Jannik Sinner complete the career Grand Slam.
- In the women's event, it is very wide open. World number one Aryna Sabalenka still searches for her first Roland Garros title while reigning champion Coco Gauff's form is unpredictable at best. Iga Swiatek eyes up French Open title number five with Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina still unbeaten at Grand Slam level this year. Jessica Pegula, Elina Svitolina, Mirra Andreeva and Victoria Mboko all have reasonable chances of challenging for a maiden major title.
- Line judges are becoming a scarce sight on tennis courts, but Roland Garros will persevere with them. The difference between the naked eye and technology will mean for the possibility of some wrong calls. Players can also check the ball-marks with umpires regularly hopping off their chair to take a closer look.
- Roland Garros regularly holds formal ceremonies during match days, usually before or after a certain match, between sessions or on the main show courts as they look to honour and celebrate former players achievements, retirements of greats and honouring French tennis legends. A notable event came last year when 14-time champion Rafael Nadal had a tribute with many legends turning up to celebrate a brilliant career.
Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist
Lucas Michael is a sports journalist based in Cambridge, UK. He writes for DartsNews and TennisUpToDate, where he covers professional tennis and darts through reports, analysis, round-ups, and liveblogs.
A key part of his work is live coverage of tennis, including the Grand Slams and major ATP and WTA tournaments on tour. He delivers real-time updates alongside match reports and tournament summaries, with a focus on clear analysis and accurate context around results, form, and wider tour developments.
Lucas holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. In his work, he places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating content promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Unreal. The amount of luck Coco Gauff had in that last game was simply insane. Most players need 14 matches to get that lucky.
MrAndreeva12-05-2026 - Her body mass is too much for the pace of a chamopinship run. Time is catching-up to her.
mandoist10-05-2026 - "Injury" seemed to have very little to do with her loss. She almost said it out loud in her presser! Anyone paying close attention could see minor 'cracks' appearing in her game since last season. It's been proven that getting side-tracked by media junkets, filming TV commercials, soaking-up the perks, and incessant 'Social' network posting leads to major distractions from the tournament grind.mandoist10-05-2026
- Blaming citizens (innocent citizens) for what their bad leaders do is not really fair. Americans are learning that lesson every day!mandoist10-05-2026
- It's a shame that the WTA is calling the wrong person into meetings and intimidating them like this. Good on the player for speaking out. You can't expect Ukrainians to put aside that Russia has been bombing them for years and is still doing so.SueC08-05-2026
- The girl needs professional help... and I don't mean sports.mandoist05-05-2026
- The way the current tennis players perform today, especially in the WTA, they should not be given any extra money. Let them boycott. They do not look like professionals. More balls land out of bounds and into the net than anything.crissy05-05-2026
- Way past time for chair umps to REGAIN CONTROL over these entitled 'Special People'.mandoist05-05-2026
- WTF is this here for????mandoist03-05-2026
- Doubt she recalls which 'man' she acquired those underwear from... but the label probably has "ATP" on it.mandoist03-05-2026
Loading