What to Expect at Roland Garros 2022

The French Open (also known as Roland-Garros) is one of the world’s foremost tennis tournaments with fierce battles taking place between the top tennis players in the world. This year’s open – May 16 to June 5, at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris – is the only tournament played on clay. It’s the second of four annual Grand Slam tournaments in the world, the others being the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

Out of the four, the French Open is regarded as the most physically demanding tournament with the clay surface resulting in a slower pace, but a higher bounce to the ball.

The Clay Conundrum

Many elite players of the past have never been able to conquer the French Open because of the clay court which slows down the ball and gives a heftier bounce than grass or hard courts. Big servers and serve-and-volleyers have a difficult time on clay. Pete Sampras, for instance, never won a French Open. The closest he ever came was getting to the semi-finals in 1996. Sampras was known for his mega serve. Many other elite players have won Grand Slam events, but never the French Open. They include:

• John McEnroe
• John Newcombe
• Frank Sedgman
• Venus Williams
• Stefan Edberg
• Boris Becker
• Lleyton Hewitt
• Jimmy Connors,
• Virginia Wade
• Louise Brough
• Martina Hingis

On the other hand, players known for doing better on slower surfaces had great outcomes in France. They include:

• Rafaek Nadal
• Björn Borg
• Ivan Lendl
• Mats Wilander
• Justine Henin
• Chris Evert

Big News

Novak Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas to win the French Open last year, but it’s uncertain he will be back to defend his title this year amid his stance on the COVID vaccine. France recently approved a vaccine rule prohibiting persons from entering sports arenas unless they are vaccinated. The Serbian was ousted from Australia for his refusal to be inoculated with the COVID vaccine which led Rafael Nadal, 35, from Spain, to record a Grand Slam success with his Australian win. If Djokovic skips the French Open, it could boost the chances of Nadal adding to his Grand Slam success so far.

Djokovic’s Woes

Djokovic is prepared to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon over his vaccine beliefs. However, the 34-year-old says he could change his mind about receiving the vaccine in the future, maintaining he is not part of the anti-vax movement. He recently told the BBC he understands the consequences of his decision, but he supports everyone’s right to choose.

Djokovic says he is willing to impact his tennis legacy since the principles of decision-making on his body are more important than any title or anything else.

“I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can,” he said, adding he has always been careful about everything he ingests.

Even if Djokovic doesn’t play in the French Open, there are still many players worth seeing. Besides, although the tournament is reason enough to jet off to the City of Light, there are plenty of other reasons as well – the fine dining, the designer shopping, the museums, galleries and the list goes on …

There is one thing about which you never want to compromise and that is staying in first-class accommodations while in Paris. Townhouse Amanda, on Ile Saint Germain in the middle of the Seine, is exclusively stunning and at the top of the list of Paris luxury homes. There is a vast reception room opening onto a large teak terrace. A focal swimming pool dominates the deck, embraced by lush gardens and Seine river access. A private boat directed by an experienced skipper, beckons unforgettable moments.

LVH can start the planning process for elite guests who wish to spend time in Paris for Roland Garros 2022. Not only will we arrange luxurious accommodations, but we will build a custom itinerary for you including VIP access to the French Open, whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or just getting interested in the game. Spend some quality time in one of the most romantic cities in the world. We invite you to reach out to one of our client relations team members to let them know what your Paris dreams are and they will go to work to start making them come true!