Roland Garros is a universe of its own — layered, atmospheric, unpredictable, and overflowing with stories that rarely make it into traditional match reports. Two and a half weeks spent on the grounds reveal an entirely different tournament: one built on personality, chaos, humor, emotion, and the strange magic of Parisian clay.
Here are 25 impressions from seeing the French Open firsthand.
1. Mirra Andreeva is a media gem
Smart, quick-witted, articulate, and effortlessly charming in English, Andreeva has become a press-room favorite. Her honesty and humor recall the early days of Daniil Medvedev — who still greets viewers from the French Open press-conference archive screen.
2. Both Andreeva and Diana Shnaider now travel with full management
Last year Mirra was often seen with family; now she moves with her agent Juan Xera. Shnaider’s matches feature constant encouragement from Jett Wright — far louder than her coach Marius Copil. Observing them courtside offers surprising insight into why their partnership eventually fell apart.
3. Shnaider’s frustration boiled over
In a moment unseen on broadcast, she motioned for her mother and younger brother to leave after losing the first set to Dayana Yastremska. The gesture was sharp, tense — and revealing.
4. Naomi Osaka’s tears were unforgettable
Osaka’s post-match emotional collapse was one of the most painful scenes of the tournament. Her candid comment about Patrick Mouratoglou “moving from working with the greatest ever to… something else” stunned the room.
5. Players switch personas shockingly fast
Most players appear composed minutes after heartbreaking losses. Daniil Medvedev admitted he would not speak if not required — yet looked fully detached from his missed chances moments later.
6. Court 10 had its own “public vote”
Someone placed a cardboard sign inviting fans to pick winners. Not many participated — fans carry fewer autograph markers now, preferring selfies.
7. Court Simonne-Mathieu is pure magic
Hidden inside botanical gardens, surrounded by glass walls filled with plants, it feels like a tennis greenhouse. Accessible even with a standard grounds pass, it offers one of the most unique atmospheres in the sport.
8. Empty seats despite sold-out tickets
A constant contradiction of Roland Garros: fans secure tickets but often wander the grounds instead of watching matches on outside courts. Meanwhile, those desperate to watch cannot enter. Secondary resale is legal only outside France — prompting VPN gymnastics.
9. Most of Roland Garros exists below ground level
The hidden tunnels, locker rooms, and corridors beneath Court Suzanne-Lenglen fascinate spectators whenever a gate opens and offers a glimpse inside.
10. The entrance music is goosebump-inducing
The overture that welcomes players onto the main courts sounds spectacular in the vast acoustic space, making fans arrive early just to hear it.
11. Hans Zimmer unexpectedly became part of RG’s identity
A segment of the Rafael Nadal tribute ceremony played to Inception, and now the association feels unshakeable.
12. Nadal’s nameplate immediately turned into a shrine
Players touched it, ball kids dusted it like a relic, and Carlos Alcaraz photographed it — it became a spontaneous symbol of devotion.
13. Tennis blends freely with padel and pickleball
Late in the tournament, with fewer matches remaining, side courts host beach tennis and exhibition formats — sand and all.
14. Champagne culture is everywhere
Players complain about bottles popping mid-match. The champagne zones are full from morning to night. The boutique (La Grande Boutique) also has perpetual lines.
15. Sneezing at the wrong moment is social disaster
Absolute silence… focus… tension… and suddenly someone sneezes. It derails the entire stadium and becomes a shared joke. A recurring theme on every court.
16. Erika Andreeva is the most genuinely caring player encountered
After an interview, she asked how the reporter was doing and how long he planned to stay. Simple but rare moments define the human side of tennis.
17. Mirra is incredibly strong physically
Seeing her standing still in mixed zone interviews, it’s clear how much muscle she has built. Her presence is impressive even off court.
18. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova’s honesty about a tick bite was refreshing
Her openness about health and safety offered valuable reminders many athletes would avoid sharing.
19. The organizational quality is world-class
The ATP and WTA manage media relations with professionalism and respect. After covering Russian footballers who rush past mixed zones silently, the contrast is striking.
20. Old friends appear everywhere
On Day 1, Ekaterina Alexandrova and Igor Andreev chatted animatedly in Russian — a reminder that Roland Garros is also a social village.
21. Television faces are constantly filming
Mats Wilander, Barbara Schett, Laura Robson, Tim Henman — you see them everywhere. TNT Sports reporters hunt for fan reactions at all hours.
22. Empty Roland Garros is hauntingly beautiful
Walking the grounds at dusk, especially late in week two, feels surreal — as if the entire tournament exhales.
23. Anna Kalinskaya nearly stole the night on one leg
Her match on Court 14 brought unexpected, passionate crowd support. Her mood flipped mid-match thanks to the fans, and she nearly stole a set.
24. The famous “Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-parara… Ole!” chant ruled the tournament
Carlos Alcaraz even launched it himself after a win. Alizé Lim screamed it from the top tier. It went viral in reels across social media.
25. The shushing wars are comedy gold
During a Djokovic match, Philippe-Chatrier quieted a few overexcited fans — only for the second wave to shush the first, and the third wave to shush the second. The serve was delayed not by noise, but by the attempt to silence noise.
