Roland Garros is the French Open tennis championship. This is one of the four main tennis tournaments in the world!
Which include, in addition to Paris, the Australian Open, London Wimbledon and the US Open. These four oldest tournaments are also called the Grand Slam tournaments. The name of the tournaments (in English - Grand Slam tournaments) is consonant with the old Russian word helmet (in English slam). Previously, the term “grand slam” originated in the card game bridge and was borrowed by tennis players. To win the Grand Slam of Tennis means to win each of the previously listed tournaments within one season. This is the highest, practically unattainable goal for all athletes! Only the “Golden Slam” is higher - the “Grand Slam” plus Olympic gold.Only six tennis players managed to achieve the Grand Slam. And the golden helmet was won only once! German tennis player Steffi Graf succeeded in this in 1988. The only Grand Slam in junior competitions was won in 1983 by Swede Stefan Edberg. Interestingly, no one ever received any special prize or bonus!
The Paris tournament was named after the French military pilot Roland Garros, who in 1913 became the first pilot to cross the Mediterranean Sea. Garros was fond of rugby and played for the French club Stade France. But Roland was not only a pilot and athlete, but also an inventor and designer! He was the first to propose a device that made it possible to fire from a machine gun located behind the main propeller of the aircraft - he combined the machine gun with the longitudinal axis of the airframe. This made it easier for military pilots to simultaneously control the plane and aim at the enemy. Roland Garros died in battle at the age of 29, in October 1918.
The French championship was first held almost 125 years ago, in 1891, on the grass courts of the Stade France sports club. Soon the tennis players became cramped on the old courts, and the club built new courts in 1928 and named them after the legendary teammate. And later the championship itself also began to be called the Roland Garros tournament. Now the central court of the tennis complex seats 15,000 spectators.
The tournament is held annually for two weeks in late May - early June.
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Roland Garros is the second Grand Slam tournament of the season after the Australian Open in January. The capital of France traditionally hosts the world's strongest tennis players at the end of spring.
As usual, the matches will take place in the west of Paris on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, where the tennis complex, built in 1927 and named after the French aviator, is located Roland Garreau.
The most prestigious arenas: Philippe Chatrier, Suzanne Lenglen and court number 1. It is on them that the stars will play, as well as the main fights where titles will be played out. However, many tennis players will have to play on less prestigious courts, numbered from 3 to 24.
Promotional video for Roland Garros
Dates and times
Roland Garros usually opens on the third or fourth Sunday in May. This year will be no exception, as the main draw players will enter action on May 28th, with qualifying scheduled to begin on May 22nd.
The tournament will conclude with the men's singles final on June 11. The women will compete for the Champion's Cup the day before.
In the first week, especially at the beginning, the organizers plan to open game days at 12:00 Moscow time. Such an early time is justified in order to have time to complete a large number of planned fights.
Starting from Tuesday of the second week, when the 1/8 finals take place, the program will not be so busy, so the broadcasts will begin at 15:00 Moscow time.
If the start time of the matches is already known, then there is no need to talk about the time they will end, because much will depend on the tennis players themselves, as well as on independent factors: weather and sunset.
Since the courts in Paris are not equipped with lighting systems, matches here will definitely not take place at night, as, for example, at the same US Open. Due to this, games may be postponed to the next day.
Draw
The draw for the main draw at the French Open takes place two days before the start of the tournament. The 32 participants in the tournament will receive seeded status and will not be able to meet each other in the first rounds.
Players ranked 1 to 8 in the ATP rankings can compete at Roland Garros no earlier than the quarterfinals. Those who are in places from 1 to 4 - not earlier than the semi-finals. If the first and second rackets of the world play each other, it will only be in the final.
Last year's winners
In 2016 Novak Djokovic won Roland Garros for the first time and became the owner of the so-called “career helmet”. The Serbian tennis player beat the Briton in the final Andy Murray in four sets – 3:6, 6:1, 6:2, 6:4.
Just before Djokovic's triumph in the Russian women's doubles final Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina lost to the French Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic .
Spaniard in the women's singles final Garbine Muguruza created a sensation by defeating the titled American Serena Williams. Finally, the Spaniards won the men's doubles Mark and Feliciano Lopez, who won against Brian brothers from USA.
Last year's final
Participants and favorites
Last year's Roland Garros winner Novak Djokovic will come to defend his title, but already in the status of second racket in the world. In the second half of last season, the Serbian experienced a serious slump, from which he has not yet emerged.
The day before, Djokovic decided to part with his entire coaching staff, believing that this would help him improve his game and perform well on the Parisian courts.
In 2017, Nole is clearly not playing at his previous level, but progress can still be expected from him. The same applies to the first racket of the world Andy Murray, who has been bothered by injuries for some time, and now he can’t get into optimal shape.
The Scot is in a lowly 13th place in the championship race, so it's time for him to get back to his previous level if he wants to stay at the top of the rankings.
The 2015 Roland Garros champion poses a certain danger Stanislas Wawrinka, although instability may let him down, as well as the fact that the day before he decided to play in Geneva, where he will spend such important energy.
But the main favorite is the legendary Rafael Nadal. The nine-time tournament champion is serious about winning a tenth trophy, as evidenced by his latest results. In the last two months alone, he became the best in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid. Its shape is simply impressive.
Nadal won the tournament in Madrid
Austrians stand out from the younger generation Dominic Thiem and the representative of Germany Alexander Zverev, which are worth paying attention to.
As for the Russians, our main hopes are connected with Karen Khachanov And Daniil Medvedev, occupying 54th and 64th places, respectively.
If we talk about women's singles, it is much more difficult to pick favorites. Of course, the current champion from Spain will have a great chance of success Garbine Mugurusa. Her main rivals will be the Romanian Simona Halep, Czech Karolina Pliskova and a British woman Johanna Konta.
The first racket of the world Angelique Kerber this season is not encouraging with good results on clay, so her participation in the finals at the moment seems unlikely. It is also worth paying attention to the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who won several tournaments in 2017. She currently leads the WTA title race.
Well, we wouldn’t discount the Russians either, especially since they will be among the “seeded” Svetlana Kuznetsova, Elena Vesnina, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova And Daria Kasatkina.
Dropped out for various reasons
The main loss of the current Roland Garros can safely be called Roger Federer. The Swiss decided the day before not to come to the tournament in Paris in order to better prepare for Wimbledon.
Federer, who won the 2017 Australian Open, has not played since early April when he won the Miami Masters.
Having missed the start of the clay season, many fans began to suspect that the 35-year-old veteran had decided to ignore Roland Garros. Unfortunately, the worst guesses were confirmed, and he will not please us with his performance.
The only positive moment in this story was that Roger’s place at the tournament will be taken by a Russian Konstantin Kravchuk. Also, we will not see a young Japanese in the French capital Yoshihito Nishioku, whom he replaced Ernest Gulbis from Latvia.
The women's grid was left without an American Serena Williams, who previously announced that she is expecting the birth of her first child and hopes to return to the court only next year. For the first time in history, the winners of the Australian Open in men's and women's singles will not attend Roland Garros at the same time.
Another American will not be able to perform on the clay courts of Paris Vanya King, like the Belarusian Victoria Azarenko who is on maternity leave.
For the Russians, the failure to qualify for Roland Garros was a serious blow. Maria Sharapova. Unfortunately, the former first racket of the world, who missed about a year due to disqualification for using meldonium, could not get into the tournament according to the rating, so all hope was on the organizers.
However, the French Tennis Federation refused to give Sharapova a wild card, which shocked many, including the WTA itself, which expressed dissatisfaction with this matter.
France decided that Tessa Adrianjafitrimo, Fiona Ferro, Myrtie Georges, Amandine Esse, Alizée Lys, Cloe Paquet and Amanda Anisimova deserved to be in the main draw more than the five-time Grand Slam winner.
Broadcasts
In Russia, Roland Garros matches can be seen on TV channels Eurosport 1 And Eurosport 2, as well as in the Eurosport Player app for an additional fee.
And here "Match TV", like last year, does not seem to be going to broadcast from Paris.
Roland Garros 2017 is the 116th edition of the French Open Tennis Championship, in which both professional and amateur athletes will compete shoulder to shoulder. The competition will be the second major tennis tournament this calendar year. Roland Garros is part of the Grand Slam series. Therefore, the winner of the French championship will not only add to his collection of trophies, but can also take another step towards winning the Grand Slam. Who will be this lucky person, or maybe there will be several? Read about this and other aspects of this competition in our sports review!
Where and when to watch Roland Garros 2017
The championship is traditionally hosted by Paris. Tennis matches are organized on the territory of the Roland Garros sports complex. At the same time, the most important meetings take place on two courts: Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen. The first site can accommodate 15,000 fans, and the second - 10,000.
In addition to the courts, you can watch tennis matches in the square next to the Paris City Hall. Every year, a special fan zone is created there with a large screen on which matches of the tournament are broadcast. All other tennis fans who do not have the opportunity to see their idols live will always be able to join television broadcasts. As for the timing, the tournament lasts two weeks. It takes place at the end of May - beginning of June every year. The last season fell on the period from May 22 to June 5.
Participants at the 2017 French Open
Hundreds of athletes take part in the competition. All of them are divided into 9 categories: 5 adults and 4 juniors. Fans are primarily interested in adult categories:
- men's singles;
- women's singles;
- men's doubles;
- women's doubles;
- mixed.
The competition is preceded by a qualifying tournament between players who cannot qualify for the final part of the competition due to a low ATP ranking. Their initial number in each qualifying category can reach up to 60. Based on the selection results, the 16 best athletes/pairs advance to the main stage of the competition.
However, the main stars of the tournament get to the championship by default. In 2016, only among women, the following big names appeared at Roland Garros:
- Serena Williams;
- Agnieszka Radwańska;
- Angelique Kerber;
- Garbiñe Muguruza;
- Victoria Azarenko;
- Simona Halep;
- Roberta Vinci;
- Timea Baczynski;
- Venus Williams;
- Petra Kvitova.
Men at Roland Garros 2016 were represented by no less significant figures:
- Novak Djokovic;
- Andy Murray;
- Stanislav Wawrinka;
- Rafael Nadal;
- Kei Nishikori;
- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga;
- Tomas Berdych;
- Milos Raonic;
- Richard Gasquet;
- Marin Cilic.
In total, 65 men/women were among the lucky ones who qualified for the tournament without qualifying. Time will tell which of the former participants we will see in the main draw of Roland Garros 2017. This will largely depend on their previous performances. But in any case, the arrival of A-list stars to France is guaranteed!
Premium Fund
Loud titles and trophies are good, but substantial prize money is even better. The organizers of the French Open understand this very well. Therefore, from year to year the Roland Garros prize fund is constantly increasing. In the last draw it amounted to just over 32 million euros. Here's how it was distributed among the winners:
At the same time, even tennis players who excelled in the first round of qualifying received a cash incentive in the form of 3,500 euros. But the most expensive, of course, were the singles finals. Because even the losing tennis players received 1 million euros.
Roland Garros 2017 results
We will find out the list of winners very soon. Naturally, experts place their main bets on the current winners.
- The tireless Serb destroyed Briton Andy Murray in the last final. I wonder if he can do a French double?
Women's Singles – Garbine Muguruza.
- The Spaniard sensationally beat Serena Williams. We must assume that the “black puma” is thirsty for revenge.
- The Spanish brothers defeated the American ones - Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan. We are waiting for the next family final at Roland Garros 2017.
Women's doubles – Carolina Garcia/Kristina Mladenovic.
- Unfortunately, the hostesses of the tournament defeated our couple - Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina. But our girls won gold at the 2016 Olympics. We must assume that this will be an additional incentive for the Russians to win the French Championship!
Afterword
Well, almost all the preparations are done. All that remains is to wait for the start of the competition. It is the coming two weeks that will reveal the winner of Roland Garros 2017 in each category. We, ordinary fans, cannot influence the results of matches in any way. But supporting our favorites in the spectator stands or in front of TV screens is our sacred duty!
Let's start with the top quarter. Andy Murray is there. The Briton is weak today. In addition to the fact that he is out of shape, the Briton also caught some kind of virus. However, the Briton has relatively easy opponents at the beginning. Kuznetsov, Klizan, Almagro/Delpotro, Isner/Berdych. A very good grid where you need to add from match to match. In addition, ¼ will be the conditional Nishikori/A. Zverev. And they are unlikely to be in good playing condition, and here's why.
The lower part of the first quarter is very difficult. There are many strong tennis players, and Alexander Zverev received the most difficult net of all the conventionally top tennis players. Already in the first round you will have to strain yourself, Verdasco is there, and the Spaniard may well beat the German. Next up is Erbert, and the Frenchman is very good on clay. Next came Cuevas, who beat the already very “charged” Zverev. Next, the German will most likely have Nishikori. The Japanese will have to resist through Querri/Chon. And given the fact that Kei is now rather weak, he may not even reach ¼. In general, the result is that Murray will be opposed by someone who is already exhausted or weak, so it is within Murray’s strength, even if he is not in the best shape, to come out in ½.
Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros 2017
In the second quarter everything becomes more prosaic. On one side there should be Wawrinka. Stan has a very weak quarter and Wawrinka is already ready at a high level. As Roland Garros progresses, the Swiss will add more.
Below are Tsonga/Cilic in 1/8, but the Swiss is stronger than either of them. Although, the same Tsonga can shoot. In February, Jo showed top-class tennis on indoor courts and won two titles. Maybe a Frenchman could repeat something similar.
Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros 2017
In the third quarter the situation is tighter. There is Raonic at the top, but he will have to get past someone Busta/Dimitrov. The Spaniard plays unevenly, there are strong matches and failures. The problem is that there are gaps within the match itself where the set can fail. However, he is comfortable with all the opponents he has in the bracket. And even Dimitrov. Moreover, Busta can beat Raonic on clay.
Below is Sok/Bautista, but rather Nadal. The Spaniard, down to Soca/Bautista, has no particularly dangerous opponents, but Per can drink blood. Of course, it is worth noting that Nadal is the main contender for the title, BUT, last year Nadal was the favorite and withdrew during the tournament. Still, this is a marathon for 2 weeks, matches of five sets. However, most importantly, the stakes are too high for Nadal in the first place. So anything is possible.
Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros 2017
In the lower quarter, Tim/Goffin will compete for a ¼ exit. Tim has an unpleasant opponent, Coric, but this is more of a slight nuisance. In principle, all of David’s opponents are more than passable.
Below are probably Puel/Ramos (there are questions about the Spaniard, he played poorly, but he can shoot at RG) and Djokovic. Although it may not be easy for a Serb. There is Schwartzman, who could be an unpleasant surprise for Novak.
Total
In the first 1/2 we would send Wawrinka/Tsonga, and someone else from the tight list of Murray/Zverev/Cuevas/Nishikori.
In the second ½ Nadal and rather Djokovic (although it may be very difficult for the Serb, despite the fact that he beat Thiem in Rome, it may be much more difficult to repeat success again, and Novak has already lost to Goffin).
Weather
The weather promises to be pleasant, with rain possible in the second week. If it's like the last Rg, it will have an impact on the game. Temperatures are high, almost always above 20 degrees Celsius.
The most famous Russian tennis player, former fifth racket of the world, who won 8 titles at various WTA tournaments, commentator on the Eurosport TV channel, expert of the Bookmakers Rating, Anna Chakvetadze, noted before the start of Roland Garros that a huge number of sensations await us in the women's tournament, perhaps a very unexpected winner. The girls won't let you get bored, in her opinion.
— A period of timelessness has come in women's tennis. Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will not be at Roland Garros; the leaders of the rankings are not impressive. Who can be singled out before the start of the clay Grand Slam?
— Simona Halep could have been considered the favorite before the final in Rome, but she somehow twisted her ankle there in a very unfortunate way. It is not very clear whether she will be one hundred percent ready. But on clay courts she feels confident. You can’t take away her ability to play on clay. But there are questions regarding my physical condition. On the other hand, she’s in the net and doesn’t think about filming. It can be called a favorite, in my opinion.
— Who else can you put next to Simone, whose victory in Paris would not surprise you?
— Garbine Muguruza. But she is an extremely unpredictable girl. Nobody expected her to win last year. But it’s still unlikely that she will win the same tournament for the second year in a row. I don’t particularly believe in her, but she is potentially capable. It seems to me that it is easier for her to play with strong opponents, with those who are higher than her in the ranking or somewhere nearby. When there is nothing to lose, she is good. I would single out Elina Svitolina, I liked her, she plays well. But the question remains whether clay courts are suitable for her. She won in Rome, but the coverage there is a little faster than in Paris. In addition, psychologically it will be difficult for Elina. It is stable, but it is going up gradually. I will also name Sveta Kuznetsova. Why not? She always struggled with Serena. Yes, it has always been difficult for Sveta to play with such attacking tennis players as Serena, Azarenka, Sharapova, but she is ready to defeat the rest. All attacking players of the new generation are not so stable.
— The first and second seeds Kerber and Karolina Pliskova are not among the main favorites. This is probably an unusual fact for women's tennis, does it surprise you?
- Of course, this is surprising. Probably someone expected Angelique Kerber to play the same way as in the previous season. But we noted that a difficult season awaits her. That's how it works. She does not like to play on clay courts and has stated this herself more than once. And Karolina Pliskova does not like soil. It's hard for her to move. Her legs are constantly slipping, she cannot push off properly. Because of this, she is constantly late to the ball. In addition, serving does not bring such dividends as on grass or hard court. So it turns out that, in fact, there are no clear favorites of the tournament. Everyone has their own problems.
— You look at the net and understand that almost any tennis player can win. About 20 people for sure. In terms of intrigue, a bomb tournament?
“You definitely won’t be bored.” There will be more than enough sensations!
— In recent days, people have started talking seriously about Sam Stosur’s chances. How would you assess her potential at the upcoming Roland Garros?
— Stosur played at a good level. She made it far to Roland Garros, played in the finals, and last year she surprised many with her good level of tennis. But it’s hard for me to believe in her victory, even though Sam has success at the US Open behind her. But absolutely any opponent should be wary of Stosur on clay, it’s very difficult with her on this surface.
— Can you now imagine a repeat of Maria Sharapova’s rise at Wimbledon, the victory of a young star who is not yet among the favorites?
- You know, now it’s possible. This is the kind of tournament where there is no clear leader. There is no Serena, in front of whom everyone is shaking. Everyone can beat anyone on a good day. No one is stable. Everyone is more or less equal. Inaccessible stars are not visible. The more interesting it is for all of us, viewers and fans. It’s easy for one of the young ones to reach the semi-finals or even the finals. The unpredictability at Roland Garros 2017 will be off the charts.