Roland Garros Rejects One Point Slam Format to Protect Tradition

Tradition Triumphs Over the Experimental

There is a sacred rhythm to the red clay of the Porte d'Auteuil, a dusty ballet of sliding sneakers and heavy topspin that has defined the French capital for generations. As the sport flirts with innovation, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has anchored Roland Garros firmly in its storied past, confirming that the tournament will not be adopting the 'One Point Slam' format recently witnessed at the Australian Open.

While the Melbourne experiment—which saw amateur Jordan Smith claim a victory in that compressed format—offered a glimpse into a quick-fire future, the Parisian organizers remain devoted to the grueling, point-by-point endurance tests that define the surface. The move safeguards the classic, long-form test of will that fans expect from the home of the Musketeers, rejecting the shorter, exhibition-style flourishes for the main event.

Looking Toward the 2026 Opening Week

Instead of chasing novel formats, the focus in Paris is on expansion and celebration. Plans are firmly in place for the 2026 Roland Garros Opening Week, with an ambitious target of welcoming 20,000 spectators per day. This move is designed to deepen the connection between the grassroots of the sport and the hallowed grounds of the major, mirroring the spirit of the Australian Open's Opening Week, which famously brought icons like Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt together on the doubles court.

The sentiment at the tournament remains one of reverence for the legends who built the game's allure. As the calendar rolls forward, local crowds will have the opportunity to offer emotional farewells to two of the sport’s most beloved warriors: Stan Wawrinka and the charismatic Gael Monfils. Both men are scheduled to receive special send-offs, ensuring that the human narrative remains the heart of the tournament, far outweighing any changes to the rules of engagement.