The Roland-Garros 2026 Opening Week (18–22 May) is the cheapest way to enter the stadium and watch world-class players train. For €29 (approx. £25) — or €15 (approx. £13) for under-25s — you gain access to the entire complex, including the Philippe-Chatrier court stands to watch Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka in open practice sessions. Capacity has been raised to 20,000 spectators per day in 2026 — arrive at 10:00 on opening day to secure the best spots.
Roland-Garros on a budget: that is exactly what the Opening Week offers from 18 to 22 May 2026. For five days before the first official match of the main draw is played, the Stade Roland-Garros opens its doors at rock-bottom prices. This format, gradually rolled out since 2022 by tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, has become an event in its own right: 80,000 spectators in 2025, a record. In 2026, with capacity raised to 20,000 visitors per day and new attractions such as pickleball, Urban Tennis and live TV coverage of training sessions on Philippe-Chatrier, the edition promises to surpass that figure.
The angle is unique: during the Opening Week, the top seeds — Jannik Sinner (world No. 1), Novak Djokovic (three-time champion), Coco Gauff (defending champion) and Aryna Sabalenka (WTA No. 1) — practise in open sessions on the main court, just a few metres from the audience. A proximity impossible to experience during the main draw, where access to practice is strictly limited.
UK travel tip: The Opening Week runs 18–22 May, which falls the week before the Spring Bank Holiday (25 May 2026). A long weekend break to Paris — fly Friday, catch the tennis Saturday, back Monday — is one of the smartest value-for-money trips of the year for British tennis fans.
1. What is the Roland-Garros (French Open) Opening Week?
The Opening Week: an event in its own right
According to the official Roland-Garros website, the Opening Week refers to the qualifying week that precedes the main draw. Before 2022, qualifying matches were barely accessible to the public; the FFT (French Tennis Federation) gradually transformed this period into a full event. In 2026, the format has reached maturity: five days of intense tennis at reduced prices, in a festival atmosphere the main draw simply does not replicate.
The key difference from the main draw comes down to two aspects. First, open practice sessions: on the Philippe-Chatrier court, top seeds practise in free-seating sessions included in your entry ticket. Second, the qualifiers: 128 men and 96 women compete over three rounds on the outer courts and Suzanne-Lenglen, with maximum stakes — 18 spots in the main draw for the men, 12 for the women. Every point can change a career.
Highlights
- Unlimited access to all courts (Philippe-Chatrier, Suzanne-Lenglen, courts 6–15)
- Open practice sessions by top seeds — free seating on Chatrier included with entry
- Festival atmosphere, DJs, events — far less crowded than the main draw
- Up to 15 tickets per person (vs 4 for main courts during the main draw)
2. Opening Week 2026 Tickets: Prices, Access and How to Buy
€29 (approx. £25) — what is actually included
According to the official Roland-Garros ticketing site, the €29 Opening Week ticket (full price) or €15 (under-25s, BNP Paribas partnership) grants access to the entire venue: outer courts 6–15 with free seating, Suzanne-Lenglen upper stands with free seating, Philippe-Chatrier stands for top-seed practice sessions (free seating), all Roland-Garros Village entertainment and Player Interview sessions in the auditorium (18–21 May). For comparison: during the main draw, outer courts start at €39 and Chatrier at €300+.
Opening Week ticket sales opened on 31 March 2026 at 10:00 CET. As of 12 May 2026, last-minute tickets may still be available for some dates on tickets.rolandgarros.com. Tickets are digital only — download the official Roland-Garros app before travelling.
Special events requiring separate tickets
- Gaël & Friends Evening — Wednesday 21 May, 19:30, Chatrier: €25 (separate ticket, not included in Opening Week entry). Tennis + live music with Martin Solveig and Franglish. Gaël Monfils’ farewell Roland-Garros.
- Yannick Noah Day — Saturday 23 May: €25 (proceeds donated to charities including Fête le Mur). Exhibition + concert.
3. Watching Sinner, Gauff and Djokovic Train on Philippe-Chatrier
Sinner, Gauff, Djokovic: just metres away
According to Tennis Majors, the major 2026 innovation is significant: for the first time, practice sessions on Philippe-Chatrier are being broadcast live on television. That confirms the format’s appeal. On site, access to the Chatrier stands is included in the Opening Week ticket, with free seating — arrive at gate opening at 10:00 to secure a good spot for the first sessions.
Players confirmed in practice during Opening Week 2026: Jannik Sinner (ATP No. 1, 25 consecutive wins heading into Roland-Garros, winner at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo and Madrid), Novak Djokovic (ATP No. 3, three-time champion 2016/2021/2023), Alexander Zverev (ATP No. 2, 2024 finalist), Coco Gauff (WTA No. 4, 2025 defending champion), Aryna Sabalenka (WTA No. 1, 23 wins–1 loss in 2026), Iga Swiatek (WTA No. 3, former queen of clay). Important note: Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal on 24 April 2026 due to a right wrist injury and will not be competing.
Highlights
- 2026 novelty: Chatrier practice sessions broadcast live on TV — proof of the format’s growing appeal
- Mousquetaires Trophy and Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen on display in front of Chatrier at 14:00 and 17:00
- Roland-Garros app: real-time crowd gauges and practice schedules — check the evening before and the morning of your visit
- Crossing paths with stars in the walkways is common — festival atmosphere, no excessive security cordons
4. The Qualifiers: High-Stakes Tennis Up Close
128 men, 96 women, three decisive rounds
According to Tennis Majors, 128 men and 96 women contest the qualifying rounds over three rounds: only the 18 men’s and 12 women’s third-round winners progress to the main draw. Ranked between 100 and 300 in the world, these players are competing for their entire season: €24,000 for a first-round exit, €48,000 for a third-round run. The stakes are maximal, and you feel it in every rally.
On the outer courts 6–15, you are seated 2–3 metres from the players, you can hear them speak, feel their tension. Comebacks and 3–4 hour marathons are common, with none of the scheduling constraints of televised matches. Players to watch: David Goffin (35, wild card, three-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist — his farewell Roland-Garros), Kristina Mladenovic (four-time Roland-Garros doubles champion), and Ksenia Efremova (17, world junior No. 1, one to watch).
Highlights
- Free seating metres from players on the outer courts — impossible during the main draw
- Gaël Monfils and Stan Wawrinka as main-draw wild cards — their last Roland-Garros, for an emotionally charged atmosphere
- 2026 novelty: real-time crowd gauges on in-stadium screens and the app — find the quieter courts as the day fills up
5. Gaël & Friends and the Special Events of the Opening Week
A tribute evening for Monfils and unmissable new attractions
According to the official Roland-Garros website, on Wednesday 21 May at 19:30 on Philippe-Chatrier, the « Gaël & Friends » evening celebrates the 19th and final Roland-Garros of Gaël Monfils (39). The bill: tennis with Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, music with DJ Martin Solveig and rapper Franglish, hosted by Matt Pokora and Paul de Saint-Sernin. The evening is broadcast live on the official Roland-Garros YouTube channel. Separate ticket at €25 (approx. £21), proceeds go to Terre d’Impact, KELINA and Epic Foundation.
Other attractions included in the standard Opening Week ticket: free pickleball taster sessions (new court 2026, near Gate 1), Urban Tennis on two courts (near Suzanne-Lenglen and Simonne-Mathieu), Player Interview sessions in the auditorium (18–21 May) where you can ask players questions directly, continuous DJ sets in the Square des Serres, temporary tattoos, photobooth and a brass band in the walkways. The Awabot programme (21–23 May) also enables hospitalised children to visit the backstage via telepresence robots.
Highlights
- Gaël & Friends evening (21 May, €25 ≈ £21): Monfils’ farewell, live tennis + music on Chatrier
- Pickleball and Urban Tennis freely accessible — perfect for families
- Yannick Noah Day on 23 May (€25 ≈ £21): exhibition + concert, proceeds to Fête le Mur
Note: the guided backstage tour is unavailable during the tournament (18 May–7 June). Plan this before or after the Opening Week if you want to see everything off-court.
6. Budget and Logistics: Planning Your Opening Week Day
A full day for €30–85 (£26–73) — and how to get there from the UK
According to Pixidia’s Roland-Garros budget guide, an Opening Week day can cost as little as €30 (ticket €29 + packed lunch + Navigo transport) or exceed €150 if you add on-site dining, merchandise and the Gaël & Friends evening. For transport within Paris, metro line 10 (Porte d’Auteuil station, direct exit) is the fastest option from central Paris. RER C has a special « Roland-Garros » stop active during the tournament, almost at the main entrance (every 5 minutes at peak times). Vélib’ (Paris bike share) has a docking station 150 metres from the entrance (Bd Exelmans); in 2026, a free 500-space secure bike park is available on presentation of your ticket.
Getting there from the UK: Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord takes approx. 2h20 and is the most convenient option — no airport security, city-centre-to-city-centre. Alternatively, flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Manchester to Paris CDG or Orly take 1h15–1h30, with multiple airlines. Both options allow a genuine day trip, though an overnight stay lets you combine the Opening Week with Paris sightseeing.
| Item | Budget (minimal) | Average budget |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Week ticket | €15 / £13 (under-25s) | €29 / £25 (full price) |
| Transport within Paris (return) | €5.10 (2 single tickets) | €12.30 (Navigo day pass) |
| Food & drinks | €0 (packed lunch) | €25–35 (on-site dining) |
| Merchandise | €0 | €20–50 |
| Total for the day | ~€30 (≈ £26) | ~€75–85 (≈ £64–73) |
Highlights
- Metro line 10 (Porte d’Auteuil) or RER C (Roland-Garros stop) — driving not recommended, car parks fill by 10:00
- Sealed plastic bottles permitted — bring your own water to avoid stadium prices
- Official Roland-Garros Travel package (ticket + Accor hotel) from ~€330 for 2 days/1 night if travelling from outside Paris
Practical Information for Your Paris Trip
Travelling from the UK: stay connected from the moment you land in Paris with a France eSIM. No physical SIM card, activates in minutes, 4G/5G data throughout the stadium.
From ~€5 (≈ £4)Nomad Insurance: worldwide medical coverage from $56/4 weeks. 10% off via our link. Ideal for UK travellers visiting Paris for the French Open.
From $56 / 4 weeksFrequently Asked Questions — Roland-Garros 2026 Opening Week
What is the difference between the Opening Week and the main draw at Roland-Garros (French Open)?
The Opening Week (18–22 May 2026) covers the qualifying rounds and open practice sessions by top seeds: tickets from €29 (≈ £25), access to all courts including Philippe-Chatrier stands for practice sessions (free seating), festival atmosphere, far less crowded. The main draw (25 May–8 June) brings the world’s top 128 players together for official matches: outer courts from €39, Chatrier from €300+. Sources: rolandgarros.com.
How do I buy Roland-Garros 2026 Opening Week tickets from the UK?
Opening Week tickets (€29 full price ≈ £25, €15 for under-25s ≈ £13) are available on the official ticketing site tickets.rolandgarros.com and via the Roland-Garros app (iOS/Android). Tickets are 100% digital — no paper tickets are accepted at the gate. General sale opened on 31 March 2026; last-minute tickets for some days may still be available as of 12 May 2026. Payment is accepted in euros; most UK credit and debit cards work without issue.
Which players can you watch during the French Open Opening Week 2026?
During the Opening Week, top seeds practise in open sessions on the Philippe-Chatrier court (access included in the ticket). In 2026, confirmed players include Jannik Sinner (ATP No. 1, tournament favourite), Novak Djokovic (three-time champion, ATP No. 3), Alexander Zverev (ATP No. 2, 2024 finalist), Coco Gauff (2025 defending champion, WTA No. 4), Aryna Sabalenka (WTA No. 1) and Iga Swiatek (WTA No. 3). Note: Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal on 24 April 2026 (right wrist injury) and will not be present. Source: ATP Tour.
Is the Gaël & Friends evening included in the Opening Week ticket?
No. The « Gaël & Friends » evening on Wednesday 21 May 2026 at 19:30 on Philippe-Chatrier requires a separate €25 (≈ £21) ticket, distinct from the standard Opening Week entry (€29). The programme: tennis with Monfils, Gasquet and Tsonga, music with DJ Martin Solveig and Franglish. The evening is also broadcast free via live stream on the official Roland-Garros YouTube channel. Source: rolandgarros.com.
Can you leave and re-enter the stadium with an Opening Week ticket?
No. Once your ticket has been scanned at the Stade Roland-Garros entrance, you cannot leave and re-enter. Plan ahead — bring a sealed plastic bottle of water (permitted), food, and any medication before passing through the gates. Maximum bag size is 15 litres. No glass bottles permitted. Source: Tennis Ticket Service.
How do you get to Stade Roland-Garros by public transport during the Opening Week?
The most direct route is metro line 10, stop Porte d’Auteuil (5 minutes on foot from the stadium). Alternative: RER C with the special « Roland-Garros » stop activated throughout the tournament, almost at the main entrance (every 5 minutes at peak times). By bike: Vélib’ docking station 150 metres from the entrance (Boulevard Exelmans), with a free 500-space secure bike park on presentation of your ticket in 2026. Driving is strongly discouraged (car parks fill by 10:00). Source: rolandgarros.com.
Sources
- Roland-Garros official — Opening Week 2026 Ticketing — prices, access, purchase conditions.
- Tennis Majors — Complete Guide to Opening Week May 2026 — schedule and dates.
- FFT — Roland-Garros 2026 Press Conference — innovations and capacity.
- Tennis Majors — What’s New at Roland-Garros 2026 — TV training, pickleball, Urban Tennis.
- Roland-Garros official — Gaël & Friends Evening 21 May 2026
- Sortiraparis — Opening Week 2026 Ticketing
- Roland-Garros official — 2026 Wild Cards
- ATP Tour — Alcaraz withdrawal Roland-Garros 2026
- ESPN — Sinner, 25-match winning streak
- Roland-Garros official — Getting to the Stadium (transport)
- tickets.rolandgarros.com — Opening Week qualifying tickets
- Tennis Ticket Service — Practical Roland-Garros Guide
Research completed 12 May 2026.
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