Workers watering the clay courts between sets even shot the sprinklers at the audience upon request|@rolandgarros|X
The opening two days of the French Open have seen temperatures soar to 33 degrees Celcius, a level of heat not felt at Roland Garros since the 2024 July and August Paris Olympics.
The sultry weather, forecast to persist throughout the first week, has created faster clay-court conditions.
The heat took a physical toll
Gabriel Diallo retired midway through his match against James Duckworth on Sunday due to the conditions.
On Monday, Andrey Rublev won a grueling 3-hour, 39-minute, 4-set match against Ignacio Buse, during which both players required medical attention and a ball girl had to be helped off the court.
Workers watering the clay courts between sets even shot the sprinklers at the audience upon request.
Several veterans bid farewell as well. In his final Roland Garros appearance, 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka bowed out, capping a professional career spanning over 20 years.
French favorite Gael Monfils will also retire when the season concludes.