Roland Garros Announces Big Change After French Open Complaints
Roland Garros confirmed it's making a change to the playing surface after complaints from a number of top players including Iga Swiatek, who suggested a change be made after several players were injured by on-court advertising.
"Obviously if these things happen, there needs to be a reaction, because there are other ways for us to be visible for sure, you know?" Swiatek said.
"It's hard sometimes to judge. Obviously on clay court we need more space sometimes because the balls are flying higher, and you can use the court a bit more with the spin and everything."
Change Coming to the Court
After feedback from the players, Roland Garros announced it will change the playing surface.
"The Roland-Garros tournament organizers have taken note of some of the players' feedback regarding the court setup. We have taken this feedback into account and are maintaining ongoing communication with the players and their teams," the statement read in part.
Roland Garros' statement also included a CYA, stating all circuit minimum requirements regarding the distance between the baseline and the back of the court were met.
"However, the tournament's priority remains the well-being of the players taking part. With this in mind, and based on our own observations, adjustments are currently being made to the area around the playing surface," it concluded.
Several Players Were Injured
Earlier this week, Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sönmez had to retire from a women's doubles match after tripping heavily over a small advertising board near the back of the court as she chased down a ball during a point.
She escaped with only minor injuries but demanded the boards be removed.
"I left the court with 2 stitches and a bruised knee," Sönmez posted on X. "Thankfully, it wasn't worse. Do we really have to wait until a player is seriously injured before these courtside boards are removed? Player safety must come first."
Hours later, British tennis player Katie Boulter tripped over a Lacoste advertising board while attempting to play a shot.
Related: Tennis Stars Demand Roland Garros Change Amid French Open Disaster
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 9:31 AM.