Courts with Retractable Roofs
Philippe-Chatrier
Fully Covered- ✓ Retractable roof since 2020
- ✓ Closes in 15 minutes
- ✓ Play continues uninterrupted
- ✓ Climate controlled environment
- ✓ All 15,000 seats protected
Important: Tickets for Philippe-Chatrier guarantee play regardless of weather. No refunds or exchanges offered for rain.
Suzanne-Lenglen
Fully Covered- ✓ Retractable roof added 2024
- ✓ Closes in 10 minutes
- ✓ 10,000 seats covered
- ✓ Enhanced lighting system
- ✓ Improved acoustics when closed
Important: Since 2024, Suzanne-Lenglen tickets also guarantee play. No weather-related refunds.
Simonne-Mathieu
Partial Coverage- ⚠️ No retractable roof
- ⚠️ Play suspended in rain
- ✓ 60% of seats have overhead cover
- ✓ Categories 1-2 mostly protected
- ✗ Court surface exposed
Outer Courts (1-14)
No Coverage- ✗ No roof protection
- ✗ Play immediately suspended
- ✗ Spectators must seek shelter
- ⚠️ Can resume after rain stops
- ⚠️ Court drying takes 30-60 min
Official French Open Rain Policy 2026
| Scenario | Policy | Your Options |
|---|---|---|
| No play at all Complete washout |
Full refund OR exchange |
• 100% refund within 30 days • Exchange for any available day • Priority booking for next year |
| Less than 2 hours play Minimal tennis |
Rain check issued |
• Exchange for next day same round • Partial refund (50%) if can't attend • Credit for next year (full value) |
| 2+ hours of play Standard policy |
No refund |
• No refund or exchange • Considered full day's play • Applies even if your match suspended |
| Roofed courts Chatrier & Lenglen |
Play continues |
• No weather-related refunds ever • Matches continue under roof • Premium experience guaranteed |
| Night sessions After 7:00 PM |
Special rules |
• Refund if no play by 9:30 PM • Exchange if less than 1 set played • Roofed courts exempt |
Important Policy Notes:
- 2-Hour Rule: The 2-hour threshold applies to total play on your ticketed court, not specific matches
- Multi-Court Tickets: Grounds passes follow the overall site policy, not individual courts
- VIP Packages: Hospitality packages have enhanced exchange options - contact concierge
- Finals Weekend: More flexible policies due to limited remaining days
What Actually Happens When It Rains
Rain Timeline at Roland Garros
🌧️ Rain Starts
Immediate Actions:
- Chatrier & Lenglen roofs begin closing (10-15 min)
- Outer court play suspended immediately
- Players leave courts, covers deployed
- Announcements made in French and English
⏱️ 0-30 Minutes
During Rain:
- Roofed courts continue play normally
- Spectators seek shelter in concourses
- Court crews prepare for quick restart
- Updates on app and screens
☁️ Rain Stops
Recovery Process:
- Court drying begins (30-45 min)
- Players warm up (15 min)
- Spectators return to seats
- Play resumes with same score
🌙 After 9 PM
End of Day:
- Suspended matches continue next day
- Original ticket holders get priority
- Schedule adjustments announced
- Rain checks processed if applicable
Smart Strategies for Rainy Weather
🎫 Best Tickets for Rain
- Philippe-Chatrier: Guaranteed play, best choice
- Suzanne-Lenglen: Also guaranteed since 2024
- Evening Sessions: Better refund policy
- Weekend Tickets: More flexibility for exchanges
💡 Pro Tip: Book Chatrier or Lenglen for days 3-7 when rain is most likely
☔ What to Bring
- Compact umbrella (allowed)
- Light rain jacket (packable)
- Waterproof phone case
- Plastic bag for belongings
- Extra socks (comfort tip)
- Portable charger (longer day)
💡 Pro Tip: Roland Garros sells branded ponchos for $17
🏃 Where to Go During Rain
- Museum: Free with any ticket
- Restaurant Plaza: Covered dining area
- VIP Lounges: If you have access
- Philippe-Chatrier: Buy last-minute tickets
- Media Center: Live match broadcasts
💡 Pro Tip: The museum has a rain-day fast track entrance
📱 Stay Informed
- Official App: Real-time updates
- Twitter: @rolandgarros
- Text Alerts: Sign up at gates
- Court Screens: Live status
- Info Desks: Multilingual staff
💡 Pro Tip: Enable push notifications for instant updates
French Open Rain Statistics
1-2
Average rain days during tournament
15%
Chance of rain Week 1
25%
Chance of rain Finals Weekend
1-2hrs
Average delay when raining
Typical Weather Patterns (Late May/Early June)
| Week | Rain Probability | Temperature | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Rounds 1-3) | 15-20% | 64-72°F | Book roofed courts or flexible tickets |
| Week 2 (Rounds 4-QF) | 10-15% | 68-75°F | Afternoon sessions safer |
| Finals Weekend | 10-15% | 72-79°F | Usually good weather |
VIP & Premium Ticket Rain Benefits
🥂 Presidential Box & Suites
- Indoor lounge access during delays
- Complimentary drinks and snacks
- Live broadcast of all courts
- Priority rebooking for washouts
- Concierge handles all exchanges
- Optional car service if day cancelled
🎾 Hospitality Packages
- Access to covered restaurant areas
- Flexible dining times during delays
- Champagne bar remains open
- Enhanced exchange options
- Next-day priority seating
- Refund option for complete washouts
🎫 Category 1 Tickets
- Better overhead coverage on most courts
- Access to premium concourse areas
- Closer to covered walkways
- Priority for court changes
- First option on released roofed court seats
Want guaranteed play regardless of weather?
View Premium Roofed Court OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I get a refund if it rains all day?
Yes, if no play occurs at all on your ticketed court, you receive a full refund or exchange option. However, if you have tickets for Philippe-Chatrier or Suzanne-Lenglen, play will continue under the roof, so no refund is available.
What is the 2-hour rule?
If 2 or more hours of tennis are played on your ticketed court (not necessarily your specific match), no refund or exchange is offered. This is considered a full day's play under tournament rules.
Can I move to Philippe-Chatrier if my outer court is rained out?
You can try to purchase available tickets at the ticket office, but you cannot simply move courts. Some last-minute tickets may become available for roofed courts during rain delays.
What happens to suspended matches?
Suspended matches resume the next day from the exact point where they stopped. Original ticket holders get first priority to attend the completion, but it's first-come, first-served for available seats.
Are grounds passes refunded for rain?
Grounds passes follow the same policy: full refund if no play anywhere, rain check if less than 2 hours total play across all outer courts, no refund if 2+ hours of play occurred.
How quickly do the roofs close?
Philippe-Chatrier's roof closes in 15 minutes, while Suzanne-Lenglen's newer roof closes in just 10 minutes. Play can resume immediately once closed, with no drying time needed.
Beat the Weather - Book Roofed Courts
Guarantee your French Open experience with covered court tickets