The thawing of winter can only mean one thing for tennis fans— better weather for playing outdoor tennis, and the second grand slam of the year is near!
The 2025 French Open will be held from May 25th to June 8th and is expected to welcome over 610,000 fans over the three weeks to its 34-acre complex.
What Makes Roland Garros Unique?
The Paris tennis tournament has a unique flair from the other three Grand Slams due to a variety of factors:
Fashion-Forward Atmosphere: Paris being an epicenter for fashion means you should expect to see lots of Lacoste and outfits with stylish tennis accessories that express a mix of sophistication and athleticism.
Charming Grounds: Inside the tennis complex, attendees will find a tennis museum filled with historic wooden racquets and a botanical garden.
Iconic Surface: Of course we have to mention the iconic red clay courts, which is actually only a 1-2 mm thick layer of red brick dust over several layers of crushed limestone, coal residue, and gravel.
Endurance over Power: Due to the nature of the clay surface, rallies are paced slower and favor players that can endure long matches instead of explosive power.
French Open 2025 Players to Watch
Knowing the French Open storylines is essential to be in the know during the Paris tournament. Below we list some notable players and rivalries to be aware of.
For women’s tennis, storylines include:
Four-time champion Iga Swiatek is returning to the French Open as the 5th seed to defend her title. She hasn’t won a title since the last open so, the pressure is on for her to perform once again to continue to cement her legacy.
Current world No.1, Aryna Sablenka and first seed at the French Open. She is aiming to secure her first title at Roland Garros, having one 3 titles at the Australian Open and 1 at the U.S. Open.
For men we’re keeping an eye on:
Alcaraz and Sinner’s match up on the center stage. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and world No.1 Jannik Sinner are both in the prime of their careers, with a rivalry of two greats blossoming as the last five Grand Slam titles are shared between the two.
Novak Djokovic, now 38, is aiming to secure his 25th Grand Slam title at this year’s 2025 Roland Garros. His experience and past success make him a formidable contender despite recent early exits. If he secures another title, this would break the current record for most Grand Slam titles.
While Nadal is usually the one to watch this year, the king of clay will not be playing. There will be a tribute to Rafael Nadal via a special ceremony and special exhibition in the Tenniseum you can visit.
French Open 2025: Schedule, Dates, and What to Expect
Speaking of visiting, if you’re planning on attending this year’s French Open, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Here are a few Roland Garros travel tips on how to enjoy the French Open like a pro.
Mobile Only Tickets
It is no longer possible to print your French Open ticket, so make sure that your phone is charged up so you’ll be able to show it to security throughout the day. Guests are subject to ticket and ID checks.
Sharing Tickets
If you bought the tickets for your group, make sure to assign and transfer the tickets the day before you plan to visit. Additionally, the assigned people will need to import the ticket onto their own device.
Pro tip: Screenshots won’t scan, so make sure that you’re able to access your mobile 2025 French Open tickets via the official Roland Garros app before you arrive.
French Open Schedule
The 2025 French Open runs from May 25th to June 8th at Roland Garros. Visit the Roland Garros website for full details.
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Women’s singles semifinals: Thursday, June 5th
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Men’s singles semifinals: Friday, June 6
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Women's singles finals: Saturday, June 7th
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Men’s singles finals: Sunday, June 8th
Create a Grand Slam Packing List
Before you go, make sure you’ve packed everything you’ll need to enjoy the French Open and avoid any prohibited items.
Security at Roland Garros
The stadium has a secure outer perimeter and all guests pass through three mandatory security checkpoints. Make sure that you’re avoiding bringing any forbidden items like alcohol, glass containers, strollers, and sharp objects. Bags must be 15 liters or smaller, so opt for a compact option to help you move through security without any hassle.
Prepare for the Weather
Paris in late May and early June can have quite the range, with highs reaching the 80s and lows hitting the 50s. Make sure to dress in layers if you plan to attend mostly outdoor matches. And after the rain delays that marked the early rounds of the 2024 French Open, it’s smart to bring a light jacket with a hood just in case.
Accessibility at the Tournament
All stadium gates are accessible, however a designated drop-off zone is located at Gate 30. Several dedicated teams are also present to help assist with information and any services you need to access like audio description.
Know the Area
Before you arrive, make sure to familiarize yourself with the grounds and surrounding area to avoid getting turned around and losing time to being lost or going the wrong way.
Getting There
Traveling to tennis tournaments is no small ordeal; make sure you plan out the route you’ll be taking to get there. The stadium is in a central location, so taking the metro or biking is likely your best option. The French Open website has a full list of buses that stop near or at the stadium.
French Open Culture
If you want to make sure you’re not committing any faux pas, make sure to follow general tennis etiquette. Additionally, the French Open attire is usually more chic; wearing overly casual clothes will definitely make you stand out.
Arrive Early or Late
In order to avoid waiting in a long line, commit to arriving early or going later. Arriving just after the gates open at 10 am usually means you’ll face a longer wait while everyone goes through security.
Keep Your Ticket on You
Unlike other Grand Slams, you’ll need your ticket to exit, so make sure you keep your tickets for the French Open 2025 on you at all times.
Packing Tips for Attending the French Open 2025
You’ve secured your French Open 2025 tickets, know where you’re staying, and are familiar with the route you’ll be taking to the Paris Grand Slam. Now, it’s time to pack! Below are some thoughts on how and what to pack:
Start with the best tennis bags for travel if you’re thinking about playing while visiting or planning on purchasing gear you’ll need to transport back home.
Look for something durable, especially if you’re checking your luggage. A bag like The Rocket offers protection and structure for all of your gear. If you’re planning on traveling light, a tennis tournament carry-on bag is a solid choice for an essentials-only trip.
As for what to wear, the Roland Garros style is classic and elevated. It's a good idea to pack chic outfits appropriate for the warm weather—think button-down linen shirts, polos, and long sundresses in neutral tones for the safest options.
Additionally, make sure to choose sensible shoes and sun protection since it’s likely you’ll be walking around outside for what can easily add up to hours at a time. Sunglasses or hats are a game-changer, especially in the afternoon sun.
Why Events Like This Matter for the Game (and the Fan Experience)
Grand Slams like the French Open are more than just tournaments; they become a place where tennis fans can gather and be around other people just as passionate about tennis. It’s a cultural moment where fans unite to celebrate tennis at its highest level.
The French Open is unique among the four Grand Slams for its rich Parisian atmosphere and the slower pace of play, thanks to the red clay surface. This combination gives the tournament a distinct rhythm—and a reputation for epic, grueling rallies and mental toughness.
Even if you don’t make it to the tournament in person, it’s still a trending topic that brings together fans online in a global conversation. Every upset or landslide victory is posted about and reacted to.
Another Historic French Open 2025
If you’re a lifelong tennis fan who has been to several French Opens or just are getting up to speed on what love means in tennis, Roland Garros is an annual event full of excitement and heartbreak. From the iconic red clay to the palatable energy surrounding the storylines of the event, the French Open 2025 is set to be another great year full of historic moments for players and fans alike.