When tennis fans think of Roland Garros, one image immediately comes to mind: the iconic red clay courts that have come to define the French Open. However, what many may not realize is that these courts aren’t simply made of “clay” in the traditional sense. Instead, they are the product of a carefully engineered, multi-layered system designed to create the unique playing conditions that challenge even the world’s best players.
A Complex, Multi-Layered Construction
The Roland Garros courts consist of five distinct layers, each playing a critical role in the court’s functionality and feel. Together, these layers total roughly 80 centimeters (about 2.5 feet) in depth. Here’s a breakdown of what lies beneath the famous red surface:
1. Drainage Rock
At the very bottom sits a layer of large stones. This foundational layer ensures that any rainwater drains quickly and efficiently, preventing waterlogging and keeping the courts playable even after heavy rainfall.
2. Crushed Gravel
Just above the drainage rock, a layer of crushed gravel provides added stability and further aids drainage.
3. Clinker (Coal Residue)
This middle layer is made from coal residue, also known as clinker. It serves an important function by retaining moisture, which helps keep the court surface from becoming too dry and dusty during play.
4. Crushed White Limestone
Sitting just beneath the visible surface, this layer of finely crushed limestone is approximately 6 to 7 centimeters thick. It forms the true base that gives the court its firmness and consistency.
5. Red Brick Dust
Finally, the top layer — the one that gives Roland Garros its iconic red color — consists of finely crushed red brick. This layer is surprisingly thin, usually just 1 to 2 millimeters thick, but it plays a critical role in the court’s speed, bounce, and appearance.
Why This Surface Matters
The unique composition of the Roland Garros courts has a direct impact on the way the game is played. The red brick dust slows down the ball and produces a higher bounce compared to other surfaces like grass or hard courts. This demands exceptional stamina, patience, and strategic play from athletes, making the French Open one of the most physically demanding tournaments on the professional tennis calendar.
Daily Maintenance Is Essential
Maintaining the integrity of these courts requires constant attention. Each day during the tournament, groundskeepers carefully water, roll, and brush the surface to preserve its ideal playing conditions. This ongoing maintenance helps prevent the courts from becoming too dry or uneven, ensuring a consistent and fair playing surface throughout the two-week event.
Preserving Tradition and Challenge
While many simply call it “clay,” the courts at Roland Garros are a sophisticated blend of materials perfected over decades. This unique surface is part of what makes the French Open so distinctive — both visually and competitively — adding to the tournament’s rich history and reputation as a true test of a player’s endurance and skill.
