How to Watch the 2026 French Open on TV in France
The French Open, or Roland-Garros, remains the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude in the world of tennis. As the 2026 edition approaches, fans across France are preparing for two weeks of high-octane action on the iconic red clay of Paris. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor wanting to catch the “terre battue” magic, knowing how to navigate the broadcasting landscape is essential.
For 2026, the viewing experience in France is split between two primary giants: the public broadcaster France Télévisions and the streaming powerhouse Amazon Prime Video. This guide provides everything you need to know about watching the tournament, from free-to-air access to exclusive night sessions and ticketing tips.
The Dual Broadcaster Landscape in France
Since 2021, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) has utilized a hybrid broadcasting model designed to maximize reach while catering to modern streaming habits. For 2026, this partnership remains the cornerstone of the tournament’s coverage.
1. France Télévisions: The Home of Free-to-Air Tennis
France Télévisions continues its historic role as the primary broadcaster, ensuring that the tournament remains accessible to every household in France. This is the “people’s choice,” offering extensive coverage across its linear channels and digital platforms.
- Linear Channels: You can find live matches on France 2, France 3, and France 4. Typically, the coverage begins in the morning (around 11:00 AM) on France 4 or France 5, moving to France 2 for the headline afternoon matches.
- France.tv Platform: For those who want more than just the main court, the france.tv sport platform is indispensable. It offers a “multi-court” feature, allowing viewers to choose from various matches happening simultaneously across the grounds, including the outside courts that often host rising stars and grueling marathons.
- Coverage Scope: France Télévisions broadcasts all daytime matches, including the qualifying rounds, early rounds, and the prestige matches on Court Philippe-Chatrier and Court Suzanne-Lenglen.
2. Amazon Prime Video: The Exclusive Night Sessions
Amazon changed the DNA of Roland-Garros by introducing “Night Sessions.” For the 2026 tournament, Prime Video remains the exclusive home for these marquee evening events.
- The Night Sessions: From the first Monday of the main draw through the quarter-finals, Prime Video broadcasts the “Match of the Day”—a high-profile encounter scheduled for prime time (usually starting around 8:15 PM or 8:30 PM). These matches are played under the lights of Philippe-Chatrier and often feature the tournament’s biggest icons.
- How to Access: Viewing requires an Amazon Prime subscription. In France, this coverage is included in the standard Prime membership at no extra cost.
- Additional Perks: Prime Video’s coverage is known for its high-production value, featuring expert commentary from former champions, advanced statistics, and on-court interviews immediately following the match.
3. The Grand Finale: Co-Broadcasting
When the tournament reaches its business end—the semi-finals and the finals—the exclusive barriers drop. Both France Télévisions and Amazon Prime Video co-broadcast the semi-finals and finals of the Men’s and Women’s singles and doubles. This ensures that the most important moments of the tournament are available both on traditional TV and through premium streaming services.
Key Dates for the 2026 French Open
While the official schedule is finalized closer to the event, the 2026 French Open is slated to follow its traditional window:
- Qualifying Rounds: Late May (Week of May 18, 2026)
- Main Draw Starts: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Women’s Final: Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Men’s Final: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Additional Ways to Experience the Action
Watching in Public: Fan Zones and Terraces
If you are in Paris during the tournament, you don’t necessarily need a ticket to feel the atmosphere.
- Hôtel de Ville Fan Zone: Historically, the plaza in front of Paris City Hall often hosts a giant screen where fans gather to watch the semi-finals and finals for free.
- Sports Bars: Districts like the 16th Arrondissement (near the stadium) and the Bastille area are packed with sports bars that stay open late for the Prime Video night sessions.
Radio and Social Media
For those on the move, Radio France (specifically France Info and France Inter) provides live updates and commentary. Additionally, the official Roland-Garros app and social media channels offer “near-live” highlights, allowing you to catch the best points within minutes of them happening.
Pro Tips for 2026 Viewing
- Check the “Simonne-Mathieu” Rights: In previous years, rights for Court Simonne-Mathieu (the stunning court surrounded by greenhouses) shifted between broadcasters. Check the 2026 daily schedule on the official Roland-Garros website to see if France TV or Amazon has the lead on this specific court for the early rounds.
- Use the “Catch-up” Feature: Both France.tv and Prime Video offer extensive replay libraries. If you miss a classic five-setter because it ended at 1:00 AM, you can usually find the full replay or an extended highlight reel by the next morning.
- Tickets for the Real Experience: If you want to watch in person, remember that the 2026 ticket draw typically opens in December 2025. Registration for the public lottery is the only way to secure seats at face value before they go to the official resale platform in March 2026.
Roland-Garros 2026 promises to be a historic edition, potentially seeing the rise of a new generation of clay-court kings or the continued dominance of established legends. With France Télévisions and Amazon Prime Video, you won’t miss a single “Allez!” from the Parisian crowds.
