French Open Adapts to Heat Wave with Innovative Court Maintenance

The ongoing Parisian heat wave has posed challenges for players and the integrity of the clay courts at the French Open. Unprecedented high temperatures threaten both player performance and court conditions, pushing ground staff to implement unique solutions.

Philippe Vaillant, responsible for court maintenance, and his team are employing copious watering and the strategic use of calcium chloride to preserve the surface. These measures help retain moisture, preventing the clay from cracking in the heat. Watering is done more frequently between sets under scorching sun conditions.

The dry conditions not only affect how the ball behaves on court but also raise safety concerns. Players, including Valentin Royer, have resorted to using ice packs to stay cool during games. The maintenance team's tactics also consider future sustainability. Efforts to collect and utilize rainwater for court irrigation are underway. A new decree allows the potential use of rainwater, marking a sustainable shift in operations at Roland Garros.

(With inputs from agencies.)