The French Open got underway in Paris on Monday with temperatures soaring to 33C in Boulogne-Billancourt, testing players' endurance on the red clay. The blistering heat is expected to persist throughout the first week, forcing competitors to adapt their games.
Daria Kasatkina remarked on the unusual conditions: “I don’t remember the last time it was so hot at Roland Garros. Maybe one day, but we’re going to have it for the whole week or something.” She noted the mental and physical challenges, saying players experience fluctuations in focus during matches.
The hot weather alters the characteristics of the clay court, making the surface faster and favouring aggressive play and heavy topspin. Iga Swiatek explained that while the ball bounces higher and faster, players must exercise greater control to avoid errors. Alex de Minaur, after his win over British qualifier Toby Samuel, expressed a preference for hot conditions: “I’ve always preferred hot and lively conditions to chilly on a clay court, because I feel like I can bring a little bit more of my all-court tennis.”
Toby Samuel, making his Grand Slam main draw debut, lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to De Minaur. The 24-year-old, who rose from world No. 1,785 to No. 149 after winning four ATP Challenger events, described the experience as a huge step forward both competitively and financially.
