Breaking: Roland Garros Chucks Tradition; Second Men’s Semi-final To Start 90 Minutes Later From This Year!
In a significant departure from the norm, the organizers of the prestigious Roland Garros tennis tournament announced today that the second men’s semi-final set for Friday, June 6, will no longer kick-off at the usual 5:30 PM local time. Instead, play will begin at 7 PM, marking a 90-minute delay from previous years. This change signals a new era for the clay-court major, which will now feature a night-session semi-final. The start time for the first semi-final remains unchanged at 2:30 PM. meantime, reigning champ and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz leads the field into the tournament, with action set to commence from May 25 to June 8.
The paddles turn at Roland Garros: A Shift towards Night Sessions for Semis
In a move that could set a new trend for future Grand Slams, Roland Garros has announced a significant change to its semi-final schedule. The second men’s semi-final will now be a night-session match, starting 90 minutes later than previously scheduled.
The Shift: From Afternoon to Evening
Previously held at a polite 5:30 p.m. local time, the second semi-final will now take place at the more robust 7 p.m., giving players and fans alike an extra hour of daylight to enjoy the high-stakes action. The first semi-final remains noon-bound, starting at 2:30 p.m. sharp.
This is not the first time a Grand Slam introduces night sessions for semis. Both the US Open and Wimbledon have adopted night sessions for their final rounds, with great success.
Why the Change?
Since the Phillipe Chatrier court was renovated in 2020, adding a retractable roof, the stage is set for more flexible scheduling. The new timing aligns better with European prime-time viewing hours, potentiating a wider reach for the world’s premier clay-court tournament.
A Look Ahead: Future Trends
If the change proves successful, it could herald a new era for Roland Garros and potentially other Grand Slams. Night sessions could become the norm, bringing a different edge to the sport and offering fans a new way to experience the excitement of top-tier tennis.
About the 2025 Edition
Kicking off May 25 and wrapping up June 8, the 2025 edition of Roland Garros is shaping up to be a clay-court thriller. Defending champion and world No. 2, Carlos Alcaraz, will look to hold onto his title, while veterans like Rafael Nadal and other contenders will be hot on his heels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the final still be a day match?
A: Yes, the final is not affected and will remain a day match, starting at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Q: Will other Grand Slams follow suit?
A: Only time will tell, but with positive feedback and viewership data, other slams may consider the move.
Scheduling changes are all about maximizing reach and viewership. Expect more Grand Slams to explore flexible scheduling to cater to different audiences.
Call to Action
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Roland Garros, and let us know what you think about the semi-final schedule change. Should other Grand Slams follow? Share your thoughts in the comments, and while you’re at it, explore more of our tennis content.