May in Paris has a special meaning to sports fans because at that time begins one of the most anticipated tournaments of the Grand Slam, the Roland Garros-French Open.  I love this tournament, has a special atmosphere and the fact that it is the only one of the four majors to be played in clay adds more drama and fun.  The 111th edition takes place from May 28 to June 10, 2012, at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris (France).

by Lucky B

The first men’s singles championship  was originally hosted at the Stade Francais in Paris in 1891, reserved for members of French clubs.  The women’s singles were added six years later and it was not until 1925 that the French Tennis Federation decided to open the event to the best international players.

Two years later, in 1927, Jacques “Toto” Brugnon, Jean Borotra, Henri Cochet, and Rene Lacoste, who later became known as the French Musketeers won the Davis Cup on American soil, setting up a rematch in 1928 in Paris.  This match called for a new stadium and the Stade Francais handed over three hectares of land near Porte d’Auteil to the French Tennis Federation.  The only condition was that the new stadium should bear the name of one of Stade Francais more renowned former members, Roland Garros, a famous World War I Aviator who had died ten years earlier.

The hospitality area of the complex is called Le Village and that is where people go to see and be seen.

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS  Ticket Information

GETTING TO THE STADIUM   The easiest way to get to the Stadium is by public transportation.  Check the Official Website for visitor information