As the fourth day of Roland-Garros wraps up, excitement builds outside Court Philippe-Chatrier where fans gather to catch a glimpse of Carlos Alcaraz, the number two seed and a crowd favorite, following his second-round victory over Fábián Marozsán. After finishing an interview with UK broadcaster TNT Sports, Alcaraz delighted his fans by handing out tennis balls, generating a lively scene that was soon shared on social media, reinforcing the event’s vibrant atmosphere.
Former British number one Tim Henman has been ubiquitous at the tournament, contributing to TNT’s extensive coverage as the broadcast partner. Henman humorously noted the long hours he’s been working, particularly highlighting a night match with Gaël Monfils that ended in a thrilling five-set conclusion. The stakes are particularly high this year for WBD as 2025 marks its inaugural year broadcasting the French Open on TNT Sports in both the US and UK, following a significant ten-year deal.
Planning for this event began well over a year ago when WBD secured US rights to Roland-Garros in a deal estimated at $650 million. The Atlanta production team has been actively training, learning from Eurosport’s established coverage in Europe to bring a fresh perspective to American audiences. WBD aims to create a unique tennis experience, merging the capabilities of its US and European teams.
In addition to traditional coverage, TNT is also embracing innovative broadcasting techniques, including live interviews with coaches during matches and new engaging formats. The show ‘The Rally at Roland-Garros’, fronted by tennis legends like John McEnroe, is a notable example of TNT’s approach to inject entertainment value into the coverage.
This year, the network has utilized an extensive array of cameras and a significant broadcasting footprint on-site at Roland-Garros, which has attracted sizable crowds. With over 900 matches scheduled to be broadcasted, the resource allocation indicates a commitment to delivering an expansive viewing experience across multiple platforms, as seen with TNT and Eurosport’s concerted efforts to maximize audience engagement.
WBD is optimistic that its substantial investment in broadcast quality will attract new subscribers and enhance viewer interaction, as the coverage aims to exceed audience expectations. As the tournament progresses, there is anticipation for how these new strategies will be received and shape the future of tennis broadcasting. With a solid foundation set this year, WBD is well-positioned to innovate further and deepen its connection with tennis fans around the world.