A Legacy of Clay and Global Growth

Roland Garros, better known as the French Open, is one of tennis’s biggest and most unique events. It’s not just a tournament—it’s a blend of history, tough matches on clay, and a worldwide fanbase that keeps growing every year.

What Makes It Special? Clay.

Unlike Wimbledon’s grass or the Australian Open’s hard court, Roland Garros is played on clay. And clay is no joke. It slows the ball down and makes rallies longer, so players need serious stamina and strategy to win. That’s part of why Rafael Nadal has become such a legend here—he’s won the title a jaw-dropping number of times.

Viewership: From Local to Global

Over the years, Roland Garros has gone from being a French event to a global must-watch. In the 1980s and ’90s, international TV broadcasts helped grow its fanbase. Then came digital streaming and social media, which made it easier than ever to follow the action from anywhere in the world.

Today, the tournament is broadcast in more than 220 countries. In 2023 alone, over 500 million people tuned in during the two-week event. That’s a massive leap from its early days.

Big Brands and Big Bucks

With all those eyes watching, it’s no surprise that sponsors love Roland Garros. The tournament has built long-lasting relationships with big names like BNP Paribas, Lacoste, Peugeot, and Rolex. More recently, global brands like Emirates and Oppo have jumped on board too.

But sponsorships aren’t just about slapping logos on banners. Companies now create full-on campaigns around the event. Lacoste, for example, outfits officials and staff and promotes the tournament’s chic French vibe. Tech partners like Infosys use data and digital tools to make the fan experience more interactive and exciting.

The French Tennis Federation has also been smart about growing the event—adding night matches, a roof over the main court, and more ways for fans around the world to tune in, no matter the time zone.

Roland Garros keeps finding new ways to blend tradition with innovation. It stays true to its clay-court roots while embracing tech, sustainability, and more diverse audiences. Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or just tune in for the finals, it’s clear that this tournament is here to stay—and only getting bigger.