breaking Opening Week to a close

Renamed Yannick Noah Day in 2023, Roland-Garros’ traditional charity event was once again a resounding success, raising a record €321,173. Throughout the day, children were given a free “The Little Roland-Garros Explorers” booklet, which outlined the day’s programme.

More than 23,000 spectators joined in the fun at what has become an unmissable part of the tournament, while a record 138,000 people passed through the gates during the six days of Opening Week.

A wide range of activities and taster sessions took place throughout the day at Roland-Garros, in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. A marching band, acrobats, jugglers, the band Quatuor Yako and many other performers provided entertainment in the walkways.

During certain players’ training sessions, including Sorana Cirstea, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Gaël Monfils, Daniil Medvedev and Arthur Rinderknech, the “Play With a Kid” initiative gave several children the opportunity to hit a few balls with their idols. To earn their spot, they had to catch one of the balls hit into the stands by the players at the start of the session.

Lots to do and see around the grounds

The "Play on Roland-Garros Clay" event once again gave spectators the opportunity to step onto Courts 4 and 5. There were also plenty of activities to enjoy along the Roland-Garros walkways, including an inflatable wall in the Jardin des Mousquetaires, freestyle basketball demonstrations and taster sessions, as well as face painting, tattoo and bracelet-making stands.

From midday to 1pm, a wheelchair exhibition match took place, attended by Yannick Noah, para tennis coordinator at the French Tennis Federation. Stephane Houdet, Frederic Cattaneo, Guilhem Laget, Geoffrey Jasiak, Nicolas Charrier, Richard Gasquet, Zoe Maras and Sandrine Cauderon Paulin all took part in the event, which concluded with a blind tennis demonstration featuring the French and Spanish world champion, Carlos Arbos.

The highlight of the day took place on the Philippe-Chatrier court between 2 and 3pm with “The Battle”. Team Yannick Noah went head-to-head with Team Amelie Mauresmo in a thrilling tennis match featuring former French tennis champions and rising stars; Amélie Mauresmo, Yannick Noah, Richard Gasquet, Paul-Henri Mathieu, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Gael Monfils, Mansour Bahrami, Moïse Kouame, Cédric Pioline, Arthur Rinderknech, Elsa Jacquemot, Marion Bartoli, Fabrice Santoro and Ksenia Efremova all took part. Dancers also accompanied Lenie, Jungeli & Emma’s live performances, bringing the court to life.

Thanks to our partner Emirates, 15 young tennis fans, supported by the Attrap’la Balle charity, had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Roland-Garros and visit the Emirates box, situated at the heart of the iconic Philippe-Chatrier court. Throughout the day, they were able to watch top tennis stars train up close and enjoy the many activities on offer within the stadium, such as the pickleball court on the Philippe-Chatrier north forecourt.

The Racket Giveaway initiative, in partnership with Wilson, was renewed for a third year. Wilson donated 400 junior rackets and 400 tennis balls to children from schools and communities supported by the Play International charity, bringing the total number of rackets donated to 3,400 since the start of the initiative.

From 11am on Court 2, 15 young players hit a few balls with French players kitted out by Wilson, alongside Gilles Moretton, President of the French Tennis Federation, and a brand representative.

Alongside the French Tennis Federation, committed partners such as BNP Paribas enable many young people, through associations, to be invited to Roland-Garros.

Sneak peak at Le Jardin des Chefs

There was something for everyone at the Jardin des Chefs, just behind the Simonne-Mathieu court, which will be hosting renowned chefs from Sunday May 24. Bands and DJs filled the air with a fun, festive atmosphere, while the public enjoyed a host of activities, including the traditional Smash Corner and music quizzes. A play, “La Grande Cuisine du Petit Leon”, was performed twice at 12 and 4pm.

Whether with friends or family, tennis fans enjoyed an unforgettable day throughout the Roland-Garros grounds.

€321,173 raised for charitable initiatives

The proceeds from this charity day, launched in 1977, help fund initiatives led by FFT-affiliated clubs throughout the year for young people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, adaptive tennis, tennis for health and para tennis, as well as environmental initiatives through the Solidarity and Environmental Action Trophies. The event also supports the Fête le Mur charity, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Earlier in the week, €302,000 was raised at the “Gael and Friends” charity event, in aid of Terre Impact, the FFT’s endowment fund, as well as several charities (KELINA, founded by Flora Coquerel, and Fondation Epic). In total, €623,173 was raised during Opening Week and donated to partner charities.

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