The high temperatures prevailing at the start of this year’s Roland Garros have added another layer of difficulty for tennis players, with athletes such as Iga Świątek and Elina Svitolina stressing that progress in the tournament will depend on who adapts best to the demanding conditions.

As in much of Western Europe, France is experiencing unusually high temperatures for May, with the mercury exceeding 33°C in Paris and the intense sun significantly affecting the clay courts of Roland Garros in the opening days of the tournament.

It’s officially that hot in Paris ☀️

Novak Djokovic asked for an ice bag during his match, only for the ball kid to realise every bag in the freeze had already melted 🫠 pic.twitter.com/GSMeeeWjv1

— TNT Sports (@tntsports) May 27, 2026

Although the conditions do not resemble the stifling heat often faced by athletes at the Australian Open in January, the high temperatures have increased the demands on energy management and shot selection.

Novak Djokovic:

Novak Djokovic

In the heat, the ball travels faster through the air and bounces higher on the dry clay, reducing reaction time and making control more difficult, especially during long rallies.

“Svitolina:

“In tennis you’re used to such changes,” said world No. 7 Elina Svitolina after her 6–0, 6–4 win over Kaitlin Quevedo in the second round.

“Every day is different. Even in the same tournament, if you play in the morning or in the evening, conditions change completely. You can’t control the weather. When it’s that hot, you try to endure not only your opponent but also the conditions,” she said.

Laura Siegemund:

The Olympic gold medallist from Tokyo, Belinda Bencic, said the conditions suit her game perfectly after defeating American Katie McNally 6–4, 6–0 to reach the third round for the first time since 2022.

“The ball travels faster and I love the heat. I don’t like playing in cold, humid and windy conditions,” said the Swiss player. “Of course, I don’t play four-and-a-half-hour matches like the men. I really sympathize with them. But for my game these conditions are ideal,” she added.

Jannik Sinner:

At this year’s tournament, several sets in men’s matches have finished unusually quickly, with American learner Tien suggesting this is linked both to the speed of play and players’ energy management.

“I think in some of these quick sets, one player starts very strongly and the other may let the set go in order to save energy,” he said.

Iga Świątek, a four-time Roland Garros champion and one of the main favourites this year, said weather conditions differ significantly from previous years and may change again as the tournament approaches its final stages.

Jill Teichmann:

“Usually the weather here is completely different, but that doesn’t matter. I think conditions will change in the second half of the tournament,” said the Polish player. “This tournament will be decided by who can handle all these different conditions best.”

Photos show spectators trying to cool down during the tournament:

It is noted that record-breaking temperatures are being recorded across Europe, as large parts of the continent are hit by an unusually early heatwave this year.

According to forecasts, a slight easing is expected today and tomorrow, with temperatures remaining high but slightly lower. At the same time, warnings have been issued for thunderstorms in parts of the UK and France, and hailstorms in Italy.

In France, the meteorological service described the heatwave as “unprecedented” for the season, while Monday marked the hottest May day ever recorded in the country.