What Is the French Open Championship? Ultimate Guide for 2026

The French Open Championship—also known simply as the French Open or Roland Garros—is one of the most famous and prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. It’s a major sporting event that draws top tennis players, millions of fans, global media coverage, and intense competition on the iconic clay courts of Paris, France.

In this guide, you’ll learn what the French Open is, when and where the 2026 tournament will take place, what types of matches will be played, and how big the prize money is expected to be.

1. What Is the French Open?

The French Open is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments—the highest level of competition in professional tennis. The Grand Slams consist of:

• Australian Open

• French Open

• Wimbledon

• US Open

These events are the most important and influential tournaments of the year, offering the highest ranking points, largest prize funds, and the greatest prestige. The French Open holds its own unique place in history because it is the only Grand Slam played on red clay, a slow-playing surface that changes the rhythm, strategy, and style of matches.

The tournament is named Roland Garros after a famous French aviator, and its long history dates back to the late 19th century. Over the decades, the French Open has created iconic moments in tennis and has been the stage where many legends of the sport have achieved greatness.

2. The Importance of the French Open

Why is the French Open such a big deal?

Historic Prestige

The French Open is rich in tradition and prestige. Winning here means mastering clay courts—often considered the trickiest surface in tennis. Unlike hard courts, clay slows the ball down and makes players engage in longer rallies and more strategic play. This tests stamina, patience, and skill at a very high level.

Global Recognition

Though it may be less ancient than Wimbledon, the French Open is just as celebrated worldwide. It’s broadcast in hundreds of countries and watched by millions of tennis fans, making it a truly global sporting event.

Ranking Points and Glory

Like all Grand Slams, the French Open awards the highest ranking points available in the sport. Winning a Slam can redefine a player’s career, boost their global standing, and secure their legacy in tennis history.

3. When Will the 2026 French Open Take Place?

📅 May 24 to June 7, 2026 in Paris, France.

This timing is consistent with tradition—held in late spring and early summer each year. It is the second Grand Slam of the tennis season, following the Australian Open and preceding Wimbledon and the US Open.

4. Where Will the 2026 French Open Be Held?

The 2026 tournament will be hosted at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France.

About Stade Roland Garros

Stade Roland Garros is a complex of tennis courts that features:

• Court Philippe-Chatrier — the biggest arena and the most iconic court at the venue;

• Multiple outer courts for early round matches;

• Clay surfaces throughout—the signature element of French Open play.

All matches in the main draw and qualifying rounds are played exclusively on clay courts, which gives the French Open its distinctive identity among the Grand Slams.

5. What Types of Matches Are Played at the French Open?

The French Open includes a wide range of competitions. These fall into several categories:

Singles Events

Singles matches are the most popular and celebrated. There are:

• Men’s Singles

• Women’s Singles

Each singles event features 128 players who compete in elimination rounds until a champion is crowned. Singles matches are usually best-of-five sets for men and best-of-three sets for women.

Doubles Events

Doubles feature teams of two competing on each side. There are:

• Men’s Doubles

• Women’s Doubles

• Mixed Doubles teams are made up of one male player and one female player competing together. 

Doubles matches involve distinct strategy, teamwork, and serve-and-volley play that makes them exciting to watch.

Other Competitions

In addition to the main events, the French Open often includes:

• Junior championships for younger players

• Wheelchair tennis events

These matches help develop future stars and support inclusion within the sport.

6. What Kind of Surface Is Used?

One of the French Open’s defining characteristics is its clay courts.

What Makes Clay Special?

• Clay slows down the tennis ball more than grass or hard courts.

• It produces higher bounces, demanding longer rallies and careful positioning.

• Clay rewards consistency, patience, and tactical play more than pure power.

Players who excel on clay are usually excellent movers, patient strategists, and adaptable competitors.

7. What Is the Prize Money at the French Open?

While the exact prize pool for 2026 hasn’t been officially announced yet, past editions give a good idea of its scale. For example:

• In 2025, the total prize fund at Roland Garros was approximately €56.35 million, and winners of the singles titles earned about €2.55 million each.

Because Grand Slam events tend to gradually increase prize funds over time, it’s reasonable to expect that the 2026 tournament will offer a similar or slightly higher overall prize pool compared to previous editions.

How the Prize Money Is Distributed

Prize money at the French Open is typically spread among players based on how far they advance:

Singles (winner takes the largest share)

• Champion

• Runner-up

• Semi-finalists

• Quarter-finalists

• Earlier rounds

Doubles teams also earn prize money per round, with the winning team sharing a significant amount.

Plus, players earn both financial rewards and ranking points that determine their worldwide standings on the ATP and WTA Tours.

8. Why the French Open Matters to Players and Fans

For Players

• Boosts professional ranking points.

• Features one of the most lucrative total prize funds in the entire world of tennis.

• Winning at Roland Garros is a career highlight and dream achievement.

For Fans

• The unique clay surface creates dramatic rallies and memorable matches.

• Tennis legends often write some of their best chapters at the French Open.

• The atmosphere in Paris during the tournament is electric, blending sport with cultural excitement.

9. How to Enjoy the French Open (Even If You’re Not There!)

Even if you can’t attend the tournament in Paris, you can still enjoy it:

• Watch live on TV or online streaming during the tournament’s two-week run.

• Follow your favorite players on social media.

• Check match highlights, interviews, and commentary online.

• Attend local tennis events or watch community screenings.

The French Open unites fans from every continent around a shared love of sport.

The French Open Championship isn’t just another tennis event—it’s a historic celebration of sport, skill, and competition. In 2026, the tournament returns to its clay courts at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, where the world’s best players will compete in thrilling matches from May 24 to June 7.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to tennis, the French Open offers unforgettable moments, intense rivalries, and the chance to see future champions rise. With its mix of singles, doubles, and mixed competition, plus a prize fund that rewards excellence, Roland Garros remains a highlight of the global sporting calendar and one of tennis’s most cherished traditions.