At Roland-Garros, a practice session can be as revealing as a match: you might spot a seeded player working through serve patterns, hear the thud of a ball on clay, or watch how a top player moves through a sliding recovery. The tricky part is knowing where to go, when practice is open to spectators, and how to make the most of a schedule that can change quickly.
What are the French Open practice courts?
The French Open is played at Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, where the grounds include show courts, competition courts and courts used for player practice. Practice courts are where players warm up, work on specific shots and adjust to the conditions before a match. They are not always reserved exclusively for practice: a court used for training at one point may host a match at another.
Unlike the large show courts, practice courts usually bring spectators close to the action. You can see a player’s footwork, hear the coach’s instructions and follow a drill from one end of the court to the other. The setting is less formal than a stadium, but it is still a professional working environment. Players may be preparing for a match, recovering from one or trying to manage a minor issue, so a session can be short or change at the last minute.
Can spectators watch players practice?
Often, yes, if they have a valid ticket that allows them into the grounds that day. Access depends on the ticket type, the tournament schedule and the event’s current rules. Some tickets include access to outside courts, while show-court seating is controlled by the ticket for that court. Court capacity is limited, so being on the grounds does not guarantee a view of every practice session.
The best approach is to check the official Roland-Garros website or app for that year’s ticket conditions and on-site guidance. Practice access and schedules can differ between qualifying, the main draw and the final days of the tournament. Don’t assume that a ticket for one session gives access to every court or every area.
How to find the practice schedule
Practice times are less predictable than match times. The tournament may publish information through its official app or website, and courtside boards or staff can help with current listings once you arrive. Treat any schedule as provisional: weather, match delays, player recovery and changes to the order of play can all affect it.
For the best chance of finding a session, arrive early and check the latest information before walking across the grounds. If you have a particular player in mind, look for their name on the day’s practice listings, then confirm the court and time again near the session. Allow time to move between courts; a practice slot can start or finish while you are crossing the site.
It also helps to have a second choice. A player may finish early, move courts or decide not to practise publicly. Another session nearby might offer a better view and just as much tennis to watch.
Where to watch and what to expect
Practice courts are spread around the grounds rather than grouped into one single viewing area. Numbered courts and event signage make it easier to navigate, but the layout can feel busy during popular sessions. If you’re unsure where to go, ask a staff member instead of relying on an old map or a past year’s court assignment.
What you see depends on the player and the stage of the tournament. A practice may be a light hit, a serve session or a focused drill with a coach or hitting partner. There may be little talking, or the coach may give frequent feedback. Players sometimes pause between drills to towel off, drink or check their phone. That does not mean the session is open for conversation or photographs at close range.
| What you might notice | Why it matters on clay |
|---|---|
| Heavy, high-bouncing groundstrokes | Players often practise controlling depth and height, which can push an opponent well behind the baseline. |
| Sliding into a shot and recovering | Clay movement involves controlled slides; balance after contact is as important as reaching the ball. |
| Serve-plus-one patterns | A player may rehearse a serve followed by the next attacking shot, a useful way to start points on any surface. |
| Short balls and approach shots | Players practise recognising when to move forward and how to finish a point at the net. |
Watching a drill can tell you what a player is trying to sharpen, but it is not a reliable preview of how they will perform in a match. A session may be deliberately easy, and players rarely show every tactical plan during an open practice.
Tips for getting the most from a visit
- Get there early. Popular players can draw a crowd, and the best viewing spots may fill quickly.
- Check the day’s information more than once. A morning plan can change by the time you reach the court.
- Choose a viewing position thoughtfully. A spot near a baseline can make ball patterns easier to follow; a side view can show movement across the court.
- Be ready to move. If a court is full, look for another session rather than blocking walkways or waiting in a way that disrupts access.
- Bring practical clothing. Paris weather can shift, and much of a day at the grounds involves walking or standing outdoors. Check the event’s current rules for bags and other items before travelling.
- Keep expectations flexible. A short session or a change of plan is normal during a Grand Slam.
Practice-court etiquette
Keep noise low while points are being played, and follow instructions from staff. Don’t call out to players, ask for an autograph during a drill or step into restricted areas for a better photograph. Rules on photography and recording can vary, so follow the posted guidance and any request from tournament staff. A respectful crowd gives players room to work and makes the session better for everyone watching.
If a player is taking a break or speaking with their team, give them privacy. Practice is part of their preparation, not a public meet-and-greet. If you want an autograph, use an area where the tournament permits fan interaction rather than approaching a player during training.
Are practice courts worth visiting?
For many fans, they are one of the best parts of being at Roland-Garros. You can watch the game at close range and notice details that disappear in a stadium: the small adjustment steps before a return, the way a player recovers after a wide forehand, or the difference between a relaxed warm-up and a high-intensity drill.
They are especially rewarding if you enjoy the craft of tennis rather than only the score. Watching a player rehearse a heavy crosscourt rally or work on a second serve gives context to the patterns you may see later in a match. Just remember that access, availability and viewing space are never guaranteed, so leave room in your day for other courts and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a separate ticket to watch French Open practice?
That depends on the ticket and the day. Some tickets include access to outside courts and practice areas, but conditions can vary by session and ticket type. Check the official information for the year you plan to attend before buying.
Are practice schedules published in advance?
Some practice information may appear on the official website or app, but times and court assignments can change. Check again on the day and confirm details on site.
Can you watch practice on the show courts?
Practice can take place on different courts, including major courts at certain times, but entry rules depend on the ticket and the event schedule. A grounds ticket does not necessarily provide access to reserved show-court seating.
What is the best time to arrive?
Arriving early gives you more time to check listings and find a good viewing position, particularly for popular players. There is no guaranteed time that suits every session, so use the day’s official schedule as your guide.
Final Thoughts
French Open practice courts offer a close-up view of the preparation behind the matches: movement on clay, shot patterns and the small adjustments players make before competing. Check ticket access and the latest schedule, arrive with a flexible plan, and give players space to work. Even if your first-choice session changes, there is usually plenty to notice on another court.
