Roland Garros 2026: Dates, Tickets, and How to Attend the French Open

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).

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

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.

Roland Garros – Men’s Singles Winners (2000–2025)

Roland Garros – Women's Singles Winners (2000–2025)

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

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.

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.