Tennis in France: A Cultural Overview and Its Passion for Roland Garros

Did you know that earlier in ancient times, some forms of tennis were played in Egypt, Greece, and Rome? But the first actual tennis game was played by monks in French monasteries. 

Today, the French Open—often called Roland Garros—is more than just a tennis tournament; it’s a tribute to the game’s origins. 

This blog delves into the core of tennis’ heart to present you with a cultural overview and France’s passion for Roland Garros. So, we will explore the origin, evolution, modern tennis, cultural significance, etc. For tennis enthusiasts, we will discuss where and how you can get French Open Roland Garros tickets and experience one of the most memorable events of your life. 

Origin 

The French Open’s first tournament was held in 1891. However, until 1925, it was not officially recognized as a Grand Slam event. 

The monks in French monasteries played the actual game about 1000 years ago. However, some portion of this game was definitely played back in ancient times. Back then, people used to call it ‘a game of the hand’ because it required players to use their hands to hit a wooden ball over a rope. 

The name we know today—tennis—came from the French word ‘tenez,’ which means ‘take this!’. The fun fact, according to one anecdote, is that while playing, the monks used to shout ‘tenez’ as they hit the ball with their hands. 

Evolution

As time went by, this hand game became popular among people across Europe. Outdoor courts shifted indoors, and traditional balls and hands were swapped for modern tennis equipment. The leather ball replaced the wooden one and worked better in terms of bounce. The hand was swapped for a paddle with strings. 

By the 13th century, France was home to more than 1,800 outdoor tennis courts. The tourists who visited France found this game so exciting that they took the concept back to their home country. 

Tennis attracted the attention of the United States in 1874, and soon it spread to other countries like Russia, India, and Canada until 1875. A British Army officer, Walter Clopton Wingfield, reinvented the game by creating new rules, new balls, and specially designed racquets that gained immense popularity. 

His first idea of a tennis court was an hourglass shape, which failed because players and critics didn’t find it embracing. But still, his vision and rules gained much popularity and became the basis of modern tennis rules that we know today. 

The Tennis We Know Today

In 1877, a private club member popularly known as the ‘All England Croquet Club’ rewrote the rules and redesigned the court to fit the croquet field. They began to call the version of the game lawn tennis. 

The concept of the tournament began in 1891 with the creation of the ‘French Clay-Court Championships.’ However, the tournament was reserved for players from French clubs only. It was in 1925 that the event opened up to foreign players, and that’s how the ‘French Open’ was born. 

In 1928, the Roland Garros stadium, home to the modern French Open, was built, featuring a clay tennis court. The stadium was named in honor of French aviator Roland Garros. He was the first person to fly across the Mediterranean without making a single stop. During World War I, he died at the age of 30 in an air battle. To this date, people refer to the French Open by his name. 

Cultural Significance

The French Open is not just a tournament for France and the lovers of tennis; it’s a cultural celebration. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of fans and tourists from all over the world. Here are some cultural and off-court highlights to enjoy:

• Fashion: The prestigious event is known for its fashion, where many players prefer to wear specially designed, comfortable outfits. 

• Cuisine: Roland Garros offers a taste of world-famous French cuisine where visitors get the savor of delicious French dishes—from buttery croissants to decadent crème brûlée—and the food is as much of a draw as the tennis itself. 

• Art and Exhibits: The tournament provides an opportunity for its visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural insights into art exhibitions and cultural displays.      

• The Atmosphere: People from around the world visit there with great excitement and make the atmosphere electric and truly unforgettable. The event is known for its vibrant, passionate crowd. 

In tennis history, the French Open has seen some of the most memorable rivalries and matches. Nadal vs. Federer 2008 final and the epic battle between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are some iconic matches, to name a few. These matches have left an indelible mark while adding extra layers of excitement for the sport. 

Recent Advancements and the Future of the French Open

The French Open evolves constantly. 

Over the years, it has witnessed notable changes, particularly with the expansion of the Roland Garros facilities to enhance the overall experience of the tournament. New courts have been added, and amenities for fans and players have been improved. 

Even in the future, the French Open will continue to evolve. The discussions about the potential changes suggest that the tournament format might change. It might include the introduction of a roof on the main stadium court, Philippe Chatrier, in order to deal with weather-related challenges. 

How People Bookmarks Great Experience in The French Open

Attending the French Open is a dream come true for all enthusiasts in the world. These people prepare themselves in advance to have a truly unforgettable and remarkable experience. Here are the tips that they follow and suggest.

• Plan Ahead: All tennis enthusiasts must stay updated about the events and plan ahead so that you can book the French Open Roland Garros tickets on time. 

• Select the Right Seat: A right seat can make a huge difference to your experience. When you plan or book the ticket in advance, you get the privilege to select your preferred seats to have a perfect view of the match. 

• Dress Comfortably: The Parisian weather can be surprising. You must be prepared for unexpected rain and dress comfortably to enjoy the event. 

• Explore: Roland Garros offers plenty of things beyond the match and the court. Take time to explore the entire venue, exhibitions, and other cultural events. 

Fans and visitors have had great experiences following these tips. If you, too, plan to visit anytime soon, you must follow these guidelines. 

The Next Step!

The French Open is where legends are made and unforgettable moments are created. If you want to experience the goose bumping moments at the French Open and witness new broken records, you just need to follow us. 

You can view the Roland Garros schedule for the year 2025 and book your Roland Garros French Open tickets​ in advance at Tennis Ticket Service. We are your most trustworthy partner who ensures you visit the world’s most prestigious tennis event.