Roland Garros Tournament To Stay In Paris... For Now

Lauren LynchFeb 15, 2011

The French Open is staying put in Paris.

The French Tennis Federation has voted to keep the French Open at its traditional Roland Garros venue in Paris. This decision won a 70.13 percent of votes over the alternatives after three different voting sessions.

Three other venues, including Versailles, Marne-la-Vallee and Gonesse, were bidding to host the French Open, but the Federation voted to renovate the existing site rather than move it. The clay-court Grand Slam will remain in western Paris where it has been held for more than 80 years.

The planned renovation is expected to cost about $370 million and expand the site from from 21.3 acres to about 33.8 acres. Moving to one of the alternatives was estimated to be double that cost. Though it is increasing in size, the French Open venues still remains the smallest of the four slam locations.

There was many mixed views on the decision.

“I hope the FFT won’t get in trouble by taking this decision. I don’t know if the tennis aspect prevailed in that decision. I have some doubts. I clearly said that I was more in favor of a development, of an ambition, that is, to move," said France's former No. 1 and sweetheart Amelie Mauresmo. “We are the smallest of the four Grand Slams and I think it is important to have the chance to grow, and for the public to have more room."

"The Federation decided to stay on its original site," the French Federation announced. "It chose an ambitious, prestigious project resolutely looking to the future."

The new French Open will feature 35 outdoor courts, a retractable roof over the main stadium court which will allow the tournament to host night matches and a new additional 5,000-seat stadium. The project is said to be completed in 2016.