21 May 2019
Roland Garros gets new greenhouse-flanked tennis court in controversial development
BY Andrew Manns
French design practice Marc Mimram have completed a new tennis court for the Stade Roland Garros in Paris.
The 5,000-seat Court Simonne-Mathieu is flanked by four greenhouses to camouflage its bulk and ensure it blends in to the site, which is within the 120-year-old Serres d'Auteuil botanical gardens, adjacent to the main Roland Garros complex.
The facility is named after the eponymous female tennis champion.
The opening of the controversial new court is part of a wider renovation project for Roland Garros, which is anticipated to be completed in 2022.
According to the architects, Court Simonne-Mathieu was designed to create a "dialogue" between the earth and sky.
"Given its dual botany- and sports-aspects, this project could serve as a future reference for the relationship between high-level sports and the environment," they explained.
Financed by the French Tennis Federation, the project has been in the works for two years.
Court Simonne-Mathieu is set to host its first match when the French Open commences on Sunday 26 May.
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