French Open begins under scorching sun as big names set stage in Paris

The French Open got underway on Sunday in sweltering conditions, with fans arriving at Roland Garros under blazing sunshine as temperatures climbed above 30°C.

The atmosphere around the clay courts felt more like a summer festival than a traditional Grand Slam grind, with panama-hatted spectators moving through the grounds as soft violin covers of Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” and other mellow rock tracks played across the venue.

Play began early at 0900 GMT (1100 local time) as officials tried to manage the intense heat across the opening day.

On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Russia’s Karen Khachanov, seeded 13th, faced France’s Arthur Gea. Later on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic was scheduled to open proceedings against Austria’s Sinja Kraus.

The tournament has already been hit by notable withdrawals, including two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz, who pulled out last month due to a wrist injury, and rising French talent Arthur Fils, who also withdrew injured on Saturday.

In the men’s draw, world number one Jannik Sinner enters as the clear favourite, while the women’s competition appears more open.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, begins his campaign later on Sunday against France’s big-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

On the women’s side, Russia’s Mirra Andreeva, the eighth seed, is among the highest-ranked players in action as she takes on French wildcard Fiona Ferro.