The occasion of the launch of the first NFT Roland Garros gave Icon-Icon the desire to gather the key memories of this tournament with those who orchestrate the smooth running of it. Here is the interview of Sarah Pitkowski, director of communication of the French Tennis Federation (FFT).
The Roland Garros Experience: between tradition and the NFT.
While the Parisian stage of the Grand Slam brings together once again the biggest and greatest tennis players until June 12, 2022, there is something new on its mythical batting ground.
For the first time in its history, Roland Garros has launched an official club dedicated to tournament fans.
Its name? “RG Game, Seat & Match”. And it’s a special club because access is based on holding an NFT. Open to all, the RG Game,Seat & Match will bring together members who hold one or more of the 5000 NFT RG.
NFT, each of which gives access to a virtual seat located in the lower gallery of the court Philippe-Chatrier. And it is on May 22 that the design and number of each NFT will be unveiled and randomly assigned. To register, nothing is simpler. All you have to do is go on the account in the telegram account of “RG Game, Seat & Match”.
The tournament team explains: “In order to bring us all together in this community, we have recreated the mythical Philippe-Chatrier court in a virtual way, designed in 3D especially for this new immersive experience. Then the adventure begins. You can win unique experiences and gifts”.
Among these gifts, the final balls of the 2022 edition, but also the possibility to play on the mythical courts of Roland Garros, to get tickets for the next edits, or the possibility to meet the iconic players!
And precisely, let’s go back to those moments that made the legend of this tournament with Sarah Pitkowski, director of communication of the FFT.
What are the two historical moves that have marked you in the recent history of Roland Garros?
Sarah Pitkowski: “The one that is most memorable to me is definitely Michael Chang’s spoon service to Ivan Lendl… in the round f 16 in Roland Garros 1989!
Another hit that struck me was the knee-jerk shot between Mary Pierce’s legs against Monica Seles in the quarterfinals on the Suzanne Lenglen court in 2000!”
Your most iconic moment of the legendary matches that forged that of Roland Garros…
Sarah Pitkowski: “The one that comes to me right now is Gustavo Kuerten who draws a heart on the court and lies on the court after his last-minute victory in the Roland Garros 2001 final.”
In your opinion, what is the greatest rivalry to come in women’s tennis?
Sarah Pitkowski: “Iga Świątek currently dominates the court and we expect a lot from Emma Raducanu, if she confirms her potential she will be able to claim many titles.”
Your prognoses for the final of this edition? Men and women?
Sarah Pitkowski: “It’s hard to say until the draw has taken place to know in which part of the board some players will be but, Djokovic and Iga Świątek are among the contenders in the final.”
Roland Garros is a bit of a meeting of Parisian chic and certainly an exciting technical sport. What is the iconic element of the Roland Garros style for you?
Sarah Pitkowski: “The Panama hat, without hesitation!”
Is there actually a Roland Garros style?
Sarah Pitkowski: “Yes, elegance takes wins over at Roland Garros with light colours, beige and off-white.”
How would you describe a spectator’s iconic experience during a typical day at Roland Garros?
Sarah Pitkowski: “I am thinking above all of the daily show that is played on all the courts of the stadium, but I am also thinking of all the activities around with the discovery of the padel, beach tennis, urban tennis but also tennis armchair. The great novelty expected this year is the show that will be offered for the evening sessions with a musical animation before the start of the games.”