The 119th edition of Roland-Garros will be like no other.
And for good reason.
In a year already turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic, which forced the organizers to turn spring into autumn, they have made a lot of changes.
Or even revolution.
Before the start of the competition, Rafael Nadal, the host, also seems very circumspect about the future playing conditions. If he accomplishes the feat of winning for the 13th time on the Central on October 11th , the Spaniard will have succeeded in playing with new challenges.
Let's play in the rain
The first days of qualifying gave the illusion of a summer tournament.
An enthusiasm quickly showered.
During the fortnight, the sky will be rainy, humid with temperatures between 10 and 18 degrees on average and an opening Sunday capped at 15 degrees.
What drastically change the playing conditions. "Nine degrees, these are a little extreme conditions", even dropped Nadal Friday after his training.
In the case of the Mallorcan for example, the effect of its usually devastating lift in dry weather will necessarily be reduced on heavier terrain.
Ditto for Dominic Thiem, his designated successor on the surface.
Roof, roof, my roof
No more long interruptions for big games.
From this year, the Philippe-Chatrier court will finally be equipped with a retractable roof that will allow you to play despite the rain.
Unlike other major tournaments - which have had one or more for years - this one will not completely change the parameters of a match.
Once folded up, the eleven wings of the infrastructure (which covers an area of 10,000 m2) will indeed allow air to pass through so as not to transform the French Open into an indoor tournament.
In the event of heavy rainfall, as has been the case in recent days, you even have to bring an umbrella… in the stands.
No air conditioning either.
It will therefore also be chilly with the roof open or closed.
We take the fleet under the roof ☔ pic.twitter.com/TkvcR4cNOg
- Quentin Moynet (@QuentinMoynet) September 24, 2020
Under the sunlights of the Porte d'Auteuil
Fans keep in mind a few spring games that are almost over by candlelight.
In particular a mythical Monfils-Fognini interrupted in 2010 at 5-5 in the 5th set when the two men had to widen their eyes to see the ball.
A few pieces of legend that now belong to the past.
Twelve courts can now be lit to extend the playing time. This will not be too much for this edition, where the sun will set at 7:36 pm this Sunday and 7:07 pm on the day of the men's final.
However, no night session.
It will be for 2021.
The bullets of discord
In top-level sport, everything is played down to the smallest detail.
A change of balls is therefore not trivial.
The French Federation (FFT) has turned the page Babolat, official partner since 2011, and opened another chapter with Wilson for the next five years.
The American brand also markets a whole range of derivative products and rackets that use Roland-Garros cosmetics.
And it is undoubtedly the novelty which makes the most talk.
Nadal even considers that these balls are not made for clay and threaten the integrity of the players.
The fear of emptiness
Sometimes all it takes is a spark to ignite the stands, ignite a match and help some players rise from their ashes.
With 1,000 people spread over the sixteen courts and 12 hectares of the enclosure, hello the ultra cozy atmosphere.
The tricolor entries regret this near-camera which will deprive them of valuable support.
But at least alleviate the eternal pressure ...
