Roland-Garros : innovations and commitment for 2023

After the success of 2022, it is time for Roland-Garros to move on to the next edition, which will take place from May 22nd until June 11th. Emotions are a focus of this year’s tournament, as well as innovation. "I think it has to be the centre of our lives, everyone who enters the stadium needs to feel the emotion. It really means a lot to me, it is a part of my DNA" said the Tournament Director, Amélie Mauresmo in the press conference held this morning. We take a look at all the innovations and commitments of the Parisien Grand Slam.

News on the courtside

In 2023, there will be plenty of exciting tennis in store, with no fewer than 20 events and 891 matches on the card at Roland-Garros stadium. All in all, it will be an outstanding programme that has had quite a few little tweaks this year.

The wheelchair tennis tournament, scheduled from 6 to 10 June, will now feature two draws of sixteen players, compared with twelve last year. This will give the discipline some great exposure, as one of the finals will be played on Philippe-Chatrier court and will be broadcast live on France Télévisions. "Two wild-cards will be given on both draws and the games will be held on the Friday and Saturday of the second week of the tournament. It is important to include everyone and give them a real exposure", said Amélie Mauresmo.

For the mixed doubles draw, the number of teams remains the same (32 pairs), eight wildcards will be issued for the competition. The format of the Legends Trophy by Emirates will change this year. This event will feature exhibition matches in three different formats: men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles! All 14 of the event’s matches will be played on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.

A rich and ambitious sporting schedule

This year Roland-Garros Opening Week will offer spectators a special experience. As well as cheering on their favourite players running for the title, there will be a host of events and activities laid on for them too and they will have the privilege of watching the world’s leading players practise on Philippe-Chatrier court every day from 1pm to 7pm.

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During this week, the traditional Roland-Garros charity day will now be called Yannick Noah Day, to pay tribute to the famous tennis player (to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of his victory at the Porte d’Auteuil) and his commitment to children’s charities for over 30 years : "This was the highlight of my life, so I feel very emotional being the Tournament Director while celebrating this date, she said. We decided to change the same of the charity day and we have prepared a wall fresco, representing his victory in 1983 and who he is."  On Saturday May 27th, there will be a host of fantastic entertainment rolled out throughout the day, both on the courts and in and around the stadium and a special event is planned for Yannick Noah on Philippe-Chatrier court. Like every year, proceeds from this charity day will go to the Fête le Mur charity.

At the 2023 tournament, all spectators, whatever kind of ticket they have, will be able to access the upper stands on Simonne-Mathieu court, where they can sit in any available seat. "There will be around 2000 sits and it will help people enjoy their experience here, said the Tournament Director, I am really looking forward to seeing how it goes, the idea is still to make sure fans have a great time and live a unique experience".

Another change : the traditional night sessions – between Mai 29t and June 7th on the Philippe Chatrier court – are being brought forward. The game will start at 8 :30pm, half an hour earlier than last year : "The night session will start at 8pm and will be a little more festive than the traditional daily Roland-Garros. There will be an interactive show with the crowd,we are trying to offer something really special for this unique match".

A premium service for the players

This year, the Roland-Garros tournament has once again made the players’ comfort a priority. By capitalising on their expertise and equipment and by constantly innovating, the tournament organisers are offering a premium, tailored service for the champions. A reorganised player area (240m2 in total), psychological help, a number of "wellness" services, optimised accomodations, and the highest quality of catering : everyting for the players to feel comfortable. "For the first time, a Grand Slam will fight against cyberbullying that targets the players, said Amélie Mauresmo. We know it’s very common and it has an impact on the players’ mental health on the field. The "bodyguard" technology will allow them to moderate content and hopefully feel more free from this".

"Off court" coaching will be tried this year at Roland-Garros. This year, the coaches will be authorised to give advice to their player during the matches, but this new measure will be strictly monitored. “Verbal” coaching must only be given by the coaches or their entourage from their dedicated box. It must be limited to a few words and must only be given when the player is in the same half of the court as their coach. “Non-verbal” coaching is authorised regardless of what side of the court the player is on. During the match, the players are not allowed to approach or start a conversation with their coach, including when they are changing sides or during the breaks at the end of each set, except during a medical break, a toilet break or when their opponent is changing their kit.

The Roland-Garros commitment

The Parisian Grand Slam has adopted a sustainable approach. At the 2023 tournament, its actions will be centred around three cornerstones: inclusion and solidarity, protecting the environment, and raising spectator awareness. With these issues in mind, the FFT is committed to organising an ever more open, more ecological and more inclusive tournament.

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To find out more about what is new in the tournament, click HERE and read the entire Roland-Garros 2023 press kit.