La Coupe Nadal
From 1878 until 1921, the Gentlemen’s Singles’ at The Championships was a tournament within a tournament. The All Comers’ Singles was played and the winner then faced the previous year’s champion, who had simply waited for a challenger to appear. In 1922, that format was abolished.
Serious thought should be given to reestablishing the challenge round but doing it at Roland Garros. With Rafael Nadal dominating the weather, scheduling, opponents and the balls, he secured his thirteenth La Coupe des Mousquetaires. On Terre battue, he stands alone. Words aren’t sufficient to describe his almost god-like tennis presence in Paris. He exudes supremacy on the surface. So, looking to the future, the Men’s Singles could become a 128 All Comers’ Draw. Nadal could do personal appearances during the two-weeks leading to the final, and on the Wednesday of week three in Paris, which should provide sufficient recovery time, after the All Comer’s Men’s final, the Spaniard and his opponent could go at it.
Was It Worth It
Staging any activity during the time of COVID-19 is risky. Holding a two-week event is almost tempting fate, but the Fédération Française de Tennis pulled it off. Were there “Bravos”. Absolutely. Were there “Needed Do Overs?” No question.
Originally, it was hoped that 11,500 spectators per day would be dispersed among Court Philippe Chatrier, Court Suzanne Lenglen and Court Simonne Mathieu. Because of the rise in virus cases, the Minister of Health reduced the number to 5,000 attendees each day. Later, the number in “Alert Zones” was restricted to 1,000.
Last year Roland Garros realized around €260 million. In 2020, while still having sponsors and broadcasting support, along with a sundry souvenir sales, there were massive expenditures. A roof was added to Court Philippe Chatrier and lights were added around the grounds. The lights were originally intended to be installed on the four show courts, but in the end, they were placed on twelve Stade Roland Garros courts. There were additional costs of player hotels, virus testing and other assorted expenses brought about by COVID-19 life.
It is estimated that more than €130 million was lost this year. The deficit has made some officials unhappy the decision was made to play tournament, given the health restrictions and other limitations that were in place. In view of the staggering financial losses, there is talk about taking legal action. Only time will tell if this is becomes a reality.
In the end, Roland Garros was filled with feel-good emotion brought about be seeing the game played so well in such challenging circumstance, the unknowns constantly grabbing headlines and the remarkable Rafael Nadal, still, the questions must be asked – Was It Worth It?
