2006

Highlights of the tournament

For the first time ever, Roland-Garros begins on a Sunday, 28 May, in what goes on to become the traditional “Sunday Start” (as it is referred to in French!). 

Defending singles champions Rafael Nadal and Justine Henin-Hardenne both retain their titles – a rare feat which had not been achieved since 1992. In the final, Nadal gets the better of world No.1 Roger Federer while Henin defeats Svetlana Kuznetsova. The men’s final is broadcast around the world on all five continents, while television coverage of the tournament goes out to a re- cord 214 countries! 

As well as the “Sunday Start”, the 76th Roland-Garros also sees equal prize money on offer to the winners of the men’s and women’s singles (€940,000 each, a first in the history of the tournament) and a partially electronic draw for the singles. It is also the first year of the “We’re all going to the final” scheme where the men’s singles final is shown on a giant screen on No.1 Court, to great success.

Video highlights