Top Highlights

• Although it was the first Grand Slam to join the “Open” era of professional tennis in 1968, Roland Garros has often been the last to adapt to changes in the sport.
• But the move, four days before this year’s tournament ended, to transform court number 5 into three pickleball courts was a sign of how organisers are moving with the times.
• Together, padel and pickleball are reshaping traditional lawn tennis clubs as they seek to strengthen their post-pandemic financial positions and attract, and retain, members of all ages.
• By contrast, pickleball mixes aspects of table tennis, tennis and badminton, and a game typically runs to 11 points.

Domain