HEAT, CHAMPAGNE, AND FIVE HOURS OF TENNIS

words by FRANCK ALAN-STEED
coordination by JOY SINANIAN

Do you know the secret to a great Roland-Garros? First, the heat. An almost overwhelming heat, as if Paris had suddenly decided to imitate New York in August. The sun floods the city, and the stands are packed with spectators, caps pulled firmly down, searching for a sliver of shade without ever taking their eyes off the court.

Then there’s the crocodile. Everywhere. Lacoste stands as the emblem of the tournament, from the elegant polos worn by the players to the finely embroidered towels in the restaurant where we meet between matches, all the way to the history-steeped corridors leading up to the stands. Here, every detail breathes tradition and prestige.

And of course, there is champagne. Almost essential to cope with the heat, but above all to ease the rush of emotions. Roland-Garros is not just about tennis; it is constant tension, a quiet sense of awe as players push themselves point after point.

The 2026 edition delivered its fair share of intense battles, and one truly unforgettable match: Novak Djokovic, a three-time champion in Paris, against João Fonseca, one of the brightest hopes in Brazilian tennis. For almost five hours, the two men fought relentlessly, trading blows with remarkable precision and focus.

The winner of this epic encounter is almost beside the point. Beyond the score, these two champions showed us what tennis looks like at its highest level: a sport of endurance, strategy, and pushing past one’s limits.

As we leave the stands, only one thought comes to mind — bring on Roland-Garros 2027! We’ll be there.