Unfortunately, Roland Garros 2024 was blighted by rain throughout the first week. If you were on a show court like Suzanne Lenglen, there were thankfully no interruptions.
However, this was the general scene on the outside courts for much of the week.
But eventually, every now and again, there was some actual tennis at the Bois de Boulogne!
I made an effort to see some of the rising players during my time there, including the stylish Lorenzo Musetti.
21-year-old Qinwen Zheng is enjoying a true breakout season after her surge to the Australian Open final.
Sebastian Baez is another player disrupting tennis draws this season, particularly in Rio and Santiago where he captured titles.
Of course, I got around to see some more familiar names too. It was great to see 2019 semi-finalist Amanda Anisimova back in Paris.
One evening on Suzanne Lenglen, I wandered in to catch the powerful and unpredictable Alexander Bublik. He has one of the best serves around.
Speaking of serving, there are few better than 2023 Wimbledon quarter-finalist Christopher Eubanks
Eubanks' compatriot Madison Keys, a semi-finalist in Paris back in 2018, was back once again. Check out that lovely forehand preparation!
Meanwhile, on Suzanne Lenglen, Stefanos Tsitsipas warmed up his backhand.
On Simonne Mathieu, top ten player Hubert Hurkacz times a volley in a clash with Brandon Nakashima.
On the outside courts, former champion Jelena Ostapenko was in good spirits!
At Roland Garros, spectators pay top euro to see the stars and I was lucky to see several of them. Here's the 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
Amazingly, while exploring the practice sessions, I came across not one, but two world no.1s. Here's a 24-time major winner you have probably heard of.
And here's the all conquering three-time winner and pre-tournament favourite, Iga Swiatek.
After a hip problem derailed his tournament preparation, Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner successfully charted a path through the first week.
But beyond the rain, the main topic of discussion was the star who went home earlier than ever before. This was the scene by Philippe Chatrier as fans watched Rafael Nadal's loss to Alexander Zverev in round one.
One wonders if we will see the 14-time champion grace this tournament again? Time will tell.
Apart from the odd phone image, all photos during that trip were taken with a Sony A6400.
Check out the Gallery section for more photos from Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
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