French Open 2026: How Paris heat is forcing players to adjust conditions

Four-time women’s champion Iga Svitek uses the same game she recently played with her idol on the practice field.

“It’s a little bit easier to play higher and with spin. The ball is coming off the court faster, so that gives you an advantage,” she said.

But first you have to control the ball because it plays fast in the air and is easy to destroy.

In the year Greece’s Stephen Tsitsipas, who finished second at Roland Garros in 2021, believes the added shot will help revive his stagnant career.

“The heat gives me a little bit more,” said former world number three Tsitsipas, who fell to 79th in the rankings.

“It allows me to have a more lively ball and in such situations I feel that my strengths are increasing.”

Russian sixth seed Daniil Medvedev said he was not physically harmed by the heat in his first-round match against Australia’s Adam Walton, but said the match was not suitable for life.

As Medvedev hits the ground, the ball sits lower on the clay and allows his opponents to return better.

“I don’t think the heat played a role, except that playing in the heat on clay is a little different, but again that’s normal,” Medvedev said.

“I know why I don’t play my best at Roland Garros, but if I say it, it’s an excuse. So I’ll keep it to myself.”