Entering Roland Garros is a seamless experience thanks to a digital gate, allowing visitors to quickly admire a metallic tribute to a legendary figure who has dominated these courts for the past 19 years.
Nearby, there’s an exhibition pickleball court where young players can enjoy this rapidly growing sport.
It’s a hint of the future, as in a few decades, we might see pickleball played competitively at Grand Slams or the Olympics.
After some activity, it’s perfect to spend an hour at the ‘Tenniseum’, designed by French architect Bruno Moinard and opened in May 2003.
This captivating tennis museum offers over 4,000 hours of bilingual multimedia content, along with various tennis artifacts and both permanent and temporary exhibits.
A highlight is the interactive multimedia dashboard that displays French Open winners’ scorelines over the years.
Another notable exhibit is the propeller gun used by Roland Garros, the war aviator for whom the stadium is named.
Stepping out of the museum and walking another 50 meters, visitors can explore various sponsor booths.
Indian tourists will especially enjoy the Infosys stand, featuring a virtual reality game for young visitors.
The sponsor displays reflect the changing global economic landscape of modern tennis, showcasing not only French brands like BNP Paribas, Renault, Perrier, and Lacoste but also the growing influence of Asian companies like Emirates, Haier, and Infosys.
For tennis fans, watching a match on the iconic Philippe Chatrier court is a dream come true.
We were lucky to see Stan Wawrinka defeat Sir Andy Murray in straight sets and Gael Monfils thrill the crowd by besting Seyboth Wild.
The excitement extended beyond the courts, as hundreds of fans gathered on the lawns, enjoying a picnic-like atmosphere while cheering for Rafael Nadal on the big screen.
Some fortunate spectators enjoyed the game from comfortable hammock chairs, while the rest of us made ourselves at home with stylish Roland Garros towels.
Our hero, facing Alexander Zverev, a 27-year-old rising star, struggled from the start.
We cheered passionately for every saved breakpoint, every forehand crosscourt winner, every lob that extended his time on the court, and every acrobatic slide that evoked memories of past triumphs.
Though Rafa, who has reigned over Roland Garros for two decades, exited in the first round this year as an unseeded player, he embodied the motto inscribed on the court’s revered walls: “Victory belongs to the most tenacious.”
Adding to the enjoyment, fans could savor a variety of refreshments.
I relished a doppio from the elegant Lavazza stand, which adorned its hot drinks with the Roland Garros emblem.
My friends indulged in Moet & Chandon champagne and savory crepes, epitomizing French luxury.
Earlier in the day, as we eagerly awaited Nadal’s match, we had the chance to support the only Indian competitor at this year’s French Open.
Sumit Nagal, who defeated the 31st-seeded Alexander Bublik at the Australian Open to reach the second round, faced the 18th-seeded Karen Khachanov on Court 7.
Watching a match up close on a smaller court offers a unique charm. You not only see your heroes up close but also appreciate the speed of their serves, smashes, and rallies.
It’s also easier to catch the players for a quick selfie and autograph after the game.
Beyond the matches, the preparation of the clay courts adds to the romantic atmosphere. Watching the ground staff meticulously level the soil and water it to keep it moist is a delightful sight to behold.
While fans can’t step onto the clay court themselves, they can snap a great photo against a large, beautifully decorated Roland Garros-embossed wall covered in clay.
Another perfect photo spot is the Perrier-sponsored nature wall, adorned with lush foliage.
The early stages of the tournament were marred by rain, but organizers ensured that fans could still enjoy themselves.
During rain breaks, spectators could relax under large umbrellas, sipping lemon-garnished Spritzes and enjoying boxes of mixed nuts and colorful macarons.
No visit is complete without a stop at one of the boutiques to pick up a piece of history or a souvenir for loved ones.
The shops offered a wide array of choices, from Nadal-branded t-shirts, vests, jackets, and caps to hoodies, shoes, towels, magnets, and pens.
Among the most elegantly designed memorabilia were the tennis t-shirts featuring customized artwork for each year of the French Open.
These shirts could be further personalized with automated embroidery done within minutes of purchase.
The French Open masterfully blends its heritage and sustainable practices with modern, tech-enabled facilities.
It offers fresh, recycled borewell water, encouraging fans to bring and fill their own cups and bottles.
Additionally, fans are encouraged to return their plastic cups and glasses to designated return counters, where they can reclaim their plastic deposit via cash or card.
Beyond the world-class tennis on the clay courts, it’s clear that a tournament of this stature is also about the fan experience.
It’s about education, entertainment, inclusion, sustainability, and a deep connection to a nation’s heritage, culture, and legacy.
As a sports fan, I am leaving with bags full of memories created with my friends and family.
I hope that sports administrators back home will take note of the high standards set by these iconic global events and use them as benchmarks as India aspires to host major international sporting events in the coming decades.
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