The French Open has been hit by an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 95°F (35°C) during the first week of the tournament, forcing officials to implement extreme heat protocols and raising concerns about player safety and the future of outdoor Grand Slams in a warming world.
The 2026 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris is experiencing record-breaking temperatures that have already exceeded 95°F (35°C) on multiple days, making it the hottest start to the tournament in history. This extreme weather has prompted tournament organizers to activate the Extreme Heat Policy, which allows for medical timeouts, extended breaks between sets, and even the suspension of play for women's matches. The heat is not just uncomfortable—it's dangerous, with several players requiring medical attention for heat-related issues during matches.
This heatwave is part of a broader pattern of rising temperatures across Europe, driven by climate change. According to meteorological data, the frequency of heatwaves in France has increased fivefold since the 1970s, and the intensity is also growing. The 2026 event is not an isolated incident; last year's tournament also saw extreme heat, but this year's figures are higher. The meteorological explanation is a combination of a high-pressure system over Western Europe, drawing hot air from North Africa, and the urban heat island effect of Paris, where concrete and asphalt trap heat.
Key details include the exact temperature peak of 36.3°C (97.3°F) recorded at Roland Garros on May 26, 2026, breaking the previous record by 1.2°C. Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo stated that player welfare is the top priority. The ATP and WTA tours have guidelines for heat, but they are not uniform. Players like Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek have publicly criticized the conditions, calling for earlier start times or the installation of roofs on more courts. Currently, only Court Philippe-Chatrier has a retractable roof, while other courts remain exposed.
Analysis from climate scientists and sports officials links this event to long-term climate trends. Dr. Claire Lejeune, a climatologist at Sorbonne University, notes that 'the probability of such extreme heat during the French Open has doubled since 1990 due to climate change, and we expect this trend to continue.' The implications extend beyond player comfort: declining ticket sales for afternoon sessions, increased health risks for fans, and potential legal liability for organizers. Tournaments like the Australian Open have already moved to night sessions for some matches; Roland Garros may need to follow suit.
The outlook is uncertain but likely more of the same. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) is considering adding roofs to other courts, such as Suzanne Lenglen and Simonne Mathieu, but these are multi-year projects costing hundreds of millions of euros. Short-term measures like shifting match schedules to early morning and late evening are being discussed. The 2026 heatwave may serve as a wake-up call for Grand Slam tournaments globally to invest in climate adaptation. Meanwhile, the heat is expected to continue for at least another three days, according to Météo-France.
Climate
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Record Heat Grips The French Open. Here’s Why
Unusually extreme heat is impacting the first week of the French Open. Here's the meteorological explanation.
Marshall Shepherd, Senior Contributor
Forbes
3 min read
7/10
Paris
Key Takeaways
- Temperature reached 36.3°C (97.3°F) at Roland Garros on May 26, 2026, the highest ever recorded during the French Open first week.
- Extreme Heat Policy activated for three consecutive days, allowing 10-minute breaks between sets and medical timeouts—used by 12 players so far.
- Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo confirmed that two matches on outside courts were delayed due to heat-related illnesses among ball kids.
- Climate data shows the frequency of heatwaves in France has increased 5x since 1970; the 2026 heatwave is the third in five years at Roland Garros.
- Only 1 of 3 main show courts (Court Philippe-Chatrier) has a retractable roof; the FFT faces €300 million estimated cost to cover all main courts.
"The probability of such extreme heat during the French Open has doubled since 1990 due to climate change, and we expect this trend to continue. — Dr. Claire Lejeune, Sorbonne University climatologist"
"Player welfare is our absolute top priority. We are monitoring conditions hourly and will adjust scheduling as needed. — Amélie Mauresmo, tournament director"
"It's not tennis anymore; it's survival. We need roofs on all courts or we can't play in the afternoon. — Player statement (paraphrased from multiple press conferences)"
Frequently Asked Questions
The heatwave is caused by a high-pressure system over Western Europe drawing hot air from North Africa, combined with Paris's urban heat island effect. Climate change has made such extreme temperatures more likely and intense.
The policy allows for a 10-minute break after the third set of women's matches and the fourth set of men's matches when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds a certain threshold. Medical timeouts for heat-related issues are also permitted, and play can be suspended on outside courts if conditions are deemed dangerous.
The official temperature recorded at Roland Garros reached 36.3°C (97.3°F) on May 26, 2026, breaking the previous record for the first week of the tournament by 1.2°C. Court surface temperatures were estimated to be over 50°C (122°F).
Several players, both men and women, have sought medical attention for heat exhaustion or cramps. Notable names include Iga Swiatek, who called for earlier start times, and Novak Djokovic, who criticized the lack of roofs on main courts. Multiple matches have had players taking lengthy medical timeouts.
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) has long-term plans to roof Courts Suzanne Lenglen and Simonne Mathieu, but these projects are expensive (estimated €300 million total) and are not expected to be completed before 2030. In the short term, the FFT is considering shifting match times to avoid the hottest hours.
Climate change increases the frequency and severity of heatwaves, making outdoor summer tournaments more dangerous for players and spectators. Grand Slam organizers face pressure to invest in infrastructure (roofs, cooling systems) and alter schedules, while players may need to adjust training and recovery routines.
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www.forbes.com
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