Roland-Garros, or the , is most known for being the only Grand Slam tournament on the calendar that uses a clay surface, which is arguably one of the most physically demanding surfaces of all, yet brings so much excitement among tennis fans around the world. Speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT in a suite at Roland-Garros that was decorated with all things 2K Games, French Tennis Federation Director-General, Stephane Morel discusses what makes the clay courts of the French Open so special, and how the , TopSpin 2K25, can help attract new fans to tennis. Walking around the grounds of Roland-Garros, all staff, volunteers and ball boys and girls are dressed head to toe in Lacoste – the luxury sports fashion brand founded by late French tennis star René Lacoste, aka ‘The Crocodile’ in what could only be described as French tennis chic.
But it’s not just fashion that is on display during the two weeks of the French Open – many people from all over the world congregate in Paris to watch their tennis heroes tackle the clay court, with Roland-Garros the only Grand Slam on the calendar which features the ‘ ’. Using the French Open to not only promote tennis as a sport, but also the art of French fashion and elegance is something that Stephane Morel, the managing director of the French Tennis Federation, stresses the importance of. “Clay is definitely part of our DNA, and we are the only ones among the Grand Slams playing on clay - so that's a key element.
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