FFT reacts to Roland Garros ruling

The French Tennis Federation has reacted “with astonishment” to today’s decision by a Paris tribunal to block the planned expansion of Roland Garros and declared its intention to appeal.

Plans to redevelop the French Open site, including installing a roof on Court Philippe Chatrier, were approved by the city authority two years ago and were scheduled to begin this year and be completed in 2016.

They were controversial, though, with the tennis centre expanding into the neighbouring botanic gardens, and last year FFT president Jean Gachassin announced the project would not be completed until 2018.

There must now be doubts about whether it will get off the ground after a tribunal ruled in favour of three local associations who claimed the redevelopment would harm the environment.

The ruling also stated the fee to be paid by the FFT was too low and gave the city authority two months to terminate the agreement with the federation.

In a statement, the FFT said: “The French Tennis Federation noted with astonishment the decision of the administrative tribunal of Paris on the agreement allowing it to bring the project to modernise Stade Roland Garros.

“Contesting the grounds for cancellation, and convinced that the project is respectful of the site, it will appeal the decision and request a stay of execution.

“The determination of the FFT to carry out this project remains intact. Its realisation is indeed vital for the sustainability of the French Open, a major French sporting heritage that contributes to the international influence of France and gives French tennis the means to develop.

“The FFT will, on Monday, contact the Paris authorities to clarify what we need to do to carry out this necessary modernisation.”

Roland Garros is a significantly smaller site than the other three grand slams and the plans were intended to bring it into line with Melbourne Park and Wimbledon, which both have at least one court with a roof and have undergone significant development in recent years.