If you knew a little about me, you would know I have two great loves: Paris and tennis. I love Roland Garros and traveled to Roland Garros during my visit to the City of Lights to see my favorite player, Rafael Nadal, win the trophy.
It is the story, along with helpful advice on how to get to Roland Garros and what to do while there. After a windy twenty hours in Doha, I arrived in Paris on a foggy Sunday morning. I felt tired and sleepy but managed to make my connecting flight to Paris after racing through the capital of Qatar.
As my plane landed in Paris, the dark skies overhead made me feel even more depressed. I wished I wouldn’t get the dreaded Paris syndrome. Looking at the ticket in my pocket for a walk-in to the Roland Garros stadium for Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer’s championship match immediately made me feel better. When Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, I was at home supporting him.
I was on the subway now, watching Rafael Nadal win another Roland Garros title. There’s a big tennis match held on clay every year. It allows viewers to witness an outstanding competition firsthand.
As a tennis fan, I discovered the preliminary schedules for the men’s and women’s singles matches, especially those featuring well-known players like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. In this article, I will provide all the details you need to know to attend the French Open in 2024. So, continue reading to learn more.
How to Reach There
The Roland Garros stadium is a party even before the last match starts. Ensure you arrive after lunch, when the games and fun have started.
There will be stunt performers, official stores offering merchandise, some discounted because it’s the last day of the tournament, and a general atmosphere of being at a unique sporting event.
I took Line 9 to the Porte d’Auteuil metro station without asking anyone where the stadium was. I just needed to follow the mass of people going to Roland Garros. Arriving at the stadium and waiting to enter took about fifteen to twenty minutes.
What Things to Carry and Avoid
Entering the building will require a security check, and it is strictly guarded. Getting around the entrance will take you some time due to the many sponsors and ticket stalls.
Keep your ticket ready for inspection once you’ve passed the route. Remember that Roland Garros final tickets are not available at the gates. A photo ID corresponding to your ticket’s name should be carried.
Also, remember that strollers and selfie sticks are prohibited within the stadium. Having more than 1.5 litres of bottles inside is prohibited. Sharp objects, like knives, are not permitted. Nevertheless, be sure to bring some food with you.
Having a few basic sandwiches and baguettes will help you save money instead of going overboard with the pricey food inside the stadium and purchasing a keepsake tennis ball.
Scam to Watch Out For
Don’t be shocked if someone approaches you at the stadium entrance and says they can’t make it to the game. They may have a ticket they want to sell. These men, like you and me, will persuade you to stroll a few blocks to finish the deal after displaying the official-looking ticket.
I saw this firsthand at the stadium, so don’t fall for it. On official websites, Roland Garros Final tickets typically sell out well in advance, and authentic tickets include a hologram and a QR code exclusive to you.
What to do Inside Roland Garros
After you’re inside, spend some time getting oriented. Explore the items on display and those up for grabs. If you pick up anything that catches your eye before the match ends, you’ll be carrying your shopping around, which could be more fun in the middle of all the excitement.
Exit the commercial area and head toward the main square outside Philippe Chatrier Court, the site of all the major games, including the championship series. Until kickoff, joyful people, creative food vendors, and energetic performers will delight you with their performances.
Aside from this, check the day’s weather and, in the event of rain, pack an umbrella or jacket. Although the Roland Garros umbrellas are an authentic souvenir, they are also relatively expensive, so choose your battles carefully. It’s essential to have comfortable shoes because there will be a lot of walking.
Watching the Finals
As soon as the match started, I was enthralled by Rafael Nadal’s excellent sportsmanship and joined a large crowd of his followers in applauding every point he won.
As the game went on and Rafael Nadal got closer and closer to winning, I nearly lost count of time. It was an emotional and joyful finish to the whole tour de force that had accompanied my entire journey, from seeing Rafael Nadal win the semi-finals at my house in Bombay to witnessing him lift the cup just inches from me at Roland Garros.
He fell to the floor after scoring the final point. I hope to have the same surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience again. While heading to the Roland Garros store for a souvenir, I noticed a sign indicating the location of the three prior Open titles. I’m also hoping to visit one of these other championship locations soon.
Nadal’s injuries in previous years have kept him from repeating his Roland Garros glory. However, considering Nadal’s current condition and what happened against him last year, I’m hopeful I’ll return to Roland Garros soon to reprise the experience.
Best Seats for the French Open
The best views are from baseline, sideline, and corner seats. Let me explain:
You can watch players engage in attacks from the baseline seats as if you were on the court, which offers an unimpeded view of the floor.
In addition to providing the same view of the player as a baseline seat, corner seats offer a superior view of the opposition without requiring frequent head movements.
Although courtside seats are less expensive than baseline and corner seats, they may offer a different experience than other seating alternatives. Hence, tennis fans still have the choice to participate in the matches and cheer on the players.
When and Where will the 2024 French Open Take Place?
The second grand slam competition of the year, the 2024 French Open (Roland-Garros), is set to take place from May 20 to June 9. The stadiums—PHILIPPE-CHATRIER, SUZANNE-LENGLEN, and SIMONNE-MATHIEU—will host the Roland Garros.
Bonus Tip: If you’re attending the French Open for the first time, you should take an exclusive guided tour of Roland-Garros Stadium, the renowned tennis mecca of Paris.
Roland-Garros 2024 Schedule (Men’s & Women’s Singles)
For your convenience, the 2024 Roland-Garros Schedule men’s and women’s singles matches have been set up here.
The opening round is scheduled to take place on three stadiums and outdoor courts from the 26th to the 28th. For the greatest experience, you can select any of these locations.
Your best chance of seeing a lot of famous players if this is your first time at the tournament is to participate in the first round.
What’s Next
For tennis fans worldwide, the 2024 French Open looks to be an exciting event. Watching some of the top players in the world compete is possible over the five-day schedule that opens the week. So get your Roland Garros Final tickets now for an unforgettable experience.
See our tutorial on travelling with your tennis rackets if, like me, you wish to take advantage of the chance to play tennis while on the road.
