What's new at RG2019?

 - rolandgarros.com

Some of the most significant changes since Stade Roland-Garros opened in 1928.

The brand new Court Simonne-Mathieu ©Christophe Guibbaud/FFT

A greener, leafier Roland-Garros has unveiled its greatest modern makeover with a stunning new world-first stadium open to the public in 2019.

In other new developments for fans, the Fonds des Princes now contains a completely revamped outside courts area and Court Philippe-Chatrier has had an impressive facelift.

Reconstructed Court Philippe-Chatrier

After 10 months of extensive renovations, the new Court Philippe-Chatrier will host up to 15,000 spectators daily.

The remarkable destruction and reconstruction of 80 per cent of the main stadium court occurred with the aim of making it more spacious, modern and comfortable.

Steel framework, which weighs half that of the Eiffel Tower, has been used with a retractable roof due to be completed in time for Roland-Garros 2020.

This means play can continue during rain and, in 2021, in the evenings.

The seats in the new stands are more comfortable and the court now offers greater visibility to spectators. This year, the players have access to new spaces beneath the stands.

Court Simonne-Mathieu

Located in the southeast Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil section of the grounds, this show court is the most unique development of Roland-Garros 2019.

The only plant ecosystem of its kind in the world, this semi-sunken court is enclosed between four greenhouses, each of which will house collections of plants from the tropical regions of South America, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia.

It is Roland-Garros’s third-largest court with 5000 seats, and provides the perfect example of where sport meets nature.

Once the tournament is over, local residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the more than 1,000 plants, including more than 500 beautiful and often rare species.

Fonds des Princes

The new Fonds des Princes area has been completely transformed. After Court No.14 was completed in 2018, the refurbishment of the area continued with the creation of six new courts: four competition courts with spectator stands (10, 11, 12 and 13) and two practice courts (15 and 16).

The new, completely redesigned space is more accessible, with a wide landscaped walkway and a new entrance on Avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil.

Buhrstone buildings

Next to Court Simonne-Mathieu, the buhrstone buildings, built in 1898 and renovated last year, will offer services to the public for the first time, including restaurants and the official Roland-Garros stores.

The late-19th century architectural heritage of the building was respected in the restoration.