A rich man’s game? How Roland Garros host France turned its back on clay
Summary
France has seen a strong decline in tennis courts with clay surfaces, traditionally associated with the French Open at Roland Garros. Today, only about 16% of tennis courts in France are clay, compared to over 60% in countries like Spain and Italy, which affects French players’ performance on this surface at their home Grand Slam.Key Facts
- Roland Garros, the French Open, is famous for its clay courts.
- Only 16% of tennis courts in France are clay, down from nearly 100% in the 1950s.
- Clay courts make up over 60% of courts in Spain, Italy, and Switzerland.
- French tennis players have struggled recently at Roland Garros, with few advancing past the first round.
- Former champions and experts say fewer French players train on clay today.
- Some French players avoid clay courts due to injuries or discomfort on the surface.
- International players from countries with many clay courts feel more comfortable and skilled sliding on clay.
- The reduced presence of clay courts in France may limit the development of clay-court specialists.
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