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Paris, May 25 - The silence of Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros is broken only by the rhythmic scraping of squeegees on the clay as the sun rises. At 6:30 am, the groundstaff, a crew of around 180 temporary workers, enter the arena to prepare the centuries-old court for the upcoming Grand Slam.
The ocher surface, a mix of crushed red bricks from northern France and Belgian clay, is a delicate substance that requires meticulous care. Philippe Vaillant, the head of the groundskeeping department, describes the job as a "craftsman's duty."
The clay reacts swiftly to weather conditions, making it essential to monitor the courts closely. Heat and wind can dry the surface, causing it to become fast and slippery, while rain can slow it down. Additional challenges include the surfacing of limestone granules and the need for reduced water consumption due to environmental concerns.
Watering is a crucial part of the maintenance process, with approximately one cubic meter of water used per day and per court – a fraction of the amount used in the toilets and kitchens. Calcium chloride is also added to retain water. However, decisions are made based on the workers' instinct and the feel of the shoe, as there are no sensors or technology to assist.
Players' preferences must also be considered, with some, like Novak Djokovic, preferring specific court conditions. Last year, Djokovic expressed concerns about the slipperiness of Court Philippe Chatrier during his match against Francisco Cerundolo, leading to an injury.
For temporary workers, managing the intermittent rain presents the greatest challenge. Despite the physical demands, the camaraderie among the team members, who come from various parts of France, keeps them returning year after year.
For Aurelien, the temporary worker who has prepared courts for Rafael Nadal, the experience is one he cherishes. "It's still a privilege," he says, sentiment shared by tennis fans who would pay a high price to swap places with him.
The maintenance of the clay courts at Roland Garros is a labor-intensive, technical process requiring daily watering, grooming, and careful weather management to preserve the court's unique characteristics and uphold the tournament's prestigious reputation.
- Despite the advanced technology in some sectors, the maintenance of clay courts at Roland Garros relies on the workers' instinct and the feel of the shoe, as there are no sensors or tech to assist.
- For Aurelien, the temporary worker who has prepared courts for Rafael Nadal, the experience is a privilege, just as tennis fans would pay a high price to swap places with him.
- The maintenance of the tennis courts at Roland Garros is a labor-intensive process that also involves environmental concerns, such as the need for reduced water consumption.
