PARIS — The second Grand Slam of the year is set to captivate tennis fans worldwide as the French Open kicks off on Sunday, May 26, at Roland Garros. With defending champions Novak Djokovic and Iga Świątek returning to the iconic clay courts, here’s everything you need to know about the schedule, draw, and how to follow the action.
Tournament Schedule
The French Open will run from May 26 to June 9, 2024, featuring two weeks of intense competition. The tournament follows a traditional Grand Slam format, with the main draw matches beginning on Sunday, May 26. The qualifying rounds are scheduled from May 20 to May 24, giving lower-ranked players a chance to secure a spot in the main draw.
Key dates to mark on your calendar:
- May 26-28: First-round matches
- May 29-30: Second-round matches
- May 31-June 1: Third-round matches
- June 2-3: Round of 16
- June 4-5: Quarterfinals
The semifinals will take place on June 6-7, with the women’s final on June 8 and the men’s final on June 9. Night sessions, introduced in 2021, will continue this year, featuring one marquee match per evening starting at 8:30 PM local time.
Draw and Seedings
The official draw ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 23, at 2 PM local time. Defending champions Novak Djokovic and Iga Świątek will headline the seedings, with Djokovic aiming for his fourth Roland Garros title and Świątek seeking her third consecutive French Open crown.
Top contenders in the men’s draw include:
- Carlos Alcaraz (2023 semifinalist)
- Jannik Sinner (rising star with strong clay-court form)
- Rafael Nadal (14-time champion, returning from injury)
On the women’s side, watch out for:
- Aryna Sabalenka (2023 semifinalist)
- Coco Gauff (2022 runner-up)
- Elena Rybakina (strong clay-court performer)
The draw will determine potential early blockbusters, with fans eagerly awaiting a possible Nadal-Djokovic clash in the later rounds. As Świątek noted in a recent press conference, "Roland Garros is special for me. The clay suits my game, but every year is a new challenge. I’m ready to fight for it again."
How to Follow the Action
The French Open will be broadcast globally, with extensive coverage on television and streaming platforms. Here’s how you can tune in:
Television Broadcast
In the United States, NBC, Tennis Channel, and Peacock will provide live coverage. Europe will have extensive coverage on Eurosport, while Australia can watch on Channel 9 and Stan Sport.
Streaming Options
For those preferring digital platforms, the tournament will be available on:
- Roland Garros Official App (live scores and highlights)
- ESPN+ (U.S. subscribers)
- Amazon Prime Video (selected regions)
Fans can also follow real-time updates on social media via the official Roland Garros accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. As tournament director Amélie Mauresmo emphasized, "We want to make the French Open accessible to everyone, whether you’re in Paris or watching from home."
Conclusion
The French Open promises thrilling matches, dramatic upsets, and unforgettable moments on the red clay of Roland Garros. With a star-studded field and multiple storylines—from Nadal’s potential farewell to Świątek’s dominance—this year’s tournament is not to be missed.
Whether you’re attending in person or watching from afar, make sure to mark your calendars and prepare for two weeks of world-class tennis. As Djokovic put it ahead of the tournament, "Roland Garros is where legends are made. I’m hungry for more history."