Roland-Garros 2020: Discover the new-look Chatrier with its roof

“In May 2017, we took up the challenge of rebuilding Philippe-Chatrier Court over three years by fitting it with a retractable roof,” explained Bernard Giudicelli, President of the French Tennis Federation. “The achievement of this technical and architectural feat is a source of great pride for our nation. This magnificent tool illustrates our daring and our unceasing desire to build and innovate.” Completed on 5th February, this colossal building project was supposed to be inaugurated on Saturday 23rd May, the day before the main competition of the 2020 Roland-Garros tournament was due to begin.

However, the current circumstances mean that we will have to wait until the autumn for the very first match to be held on the new Philippe-Chatrier Court with its retractable roof.

“This roof gives the tournament a whole new dimension, by ensuring that play can continue while providing consistent playing conditions, particularly from the quarterfinals onwards.”

The roof’s eleven trusses can be opened out in 15 minutes. But, why eleven? “The 11 trusses [Ed: called ‘wings’ in French] pay tribute to the aviator Roland Garros, who gave his life for his country and his name to the stadium and the tournament,” the FFT President revealed.