Paris heatwave: the surprising fix
Roland-Garros is having to cope with sweltering temperatures this week. Since the start of the tournament, the mercury has been soaring in the French capital, putting both the players and the famous red clay under real strain. To stop the courts from drying out and turning hazardous, the Paris organisers are using a very specific method: heavy watering combined with calcium chloride, a compound designed to lock moisture into the surface.
Ground staff on the front line against the drought
The maintenance crews are at the heart of the operation to protect the quality of play. Close to 200 technicians are busy every day working on the 18 main courts, as well as the 15 secondary practice courts. The main challenge is keeping the traditional feel of the clay intact while the sun speeds up evaporation, a task that demands constant attention from the workers.
Try it for $0.99.
A morning dusting of product to steady the courts
The key to the plan is a morning spread of calcium chloride crystals across each playing area. Applied at a rate of one 25-kilogram bag per court, the chemical absorbs water and slows the clay from drying out. The venue’s staff also add light watering during changeovers to keep the treatment working and prevent cracks from opening up in the surface.
Avoiding accidents on a surface that has turned too slick
Experts point out that a lack of moisture changes both the way the ball behaves and the players’ footing. Without this regular intervention, the clay would lose its natural grip and start to feel more like an ice rink, sharply raising the risk of heavy falls and serious injury. The organisers are throwing plenty of technical know-how at the problem to keep matches running smoothly and safely throughout the 2026 event.
[mathodds_app_cta]
Discover the rest of the sports news on our site!
Leave a Reply