Composition of a clay tenniscourt at Roland Garros
Clay courts are known for being the most physically demanding surface in tennis, producing longer rallies. Knowing how to slide around the court is critical for success. Five layers totaling about 80 centimeters (roughly 2.6 feet) make up the famed French Open tennis courts.
The top layer that gives clay courts their distinctive ochre hue is made of 1-2mm of red brick dust, although other clay courts could have different colors. These courts require daily maintenance, including watering, smoothing
and brushing the lines.
Underneath the dust the next layer is made of 6-7cm (around 2.5 inches) crushed white limestone.
7-8cm (around
3 inches) of clinker
(coal residue).
At least 30cm
(11.8 inches) of
crushed gravel.
The bottom layer
is made of pebbles
and stones.
The top layer that gives clay courts their distinctive ochre hue is made of 1-2mm of red brick dust, although other clay courts can have different colors. These courts require daily maintenance, including watering, smoothing and brushing the lines.
Underneath the
dust the next layer
is made of 6-7cm
(around 2.5 inches)
of crushed white
limestone.
7-8cm (around
3 inches) of clinker
(coal residue).
At least 30cm
(11.8 inches) of
crushed gravel.
The bottom layer
is made of pebbles
and stones.
Underneath the dust the
next layer is made of 6-7cm
(around 2.5 inches) of
crushed white limestone.
The top layer that gives clay courts
their distinctive ochre hue is made
of 1-2mm of red brick dust,
although other clay courts could
have different colors. These
courts require daily maintenance,
including watering, smoothing
and brushing the lines.
7-8cm (around 3 inches)
of clinker (coal residue).
At least 30cm (11.8 inches)
of crushed gravel.
The bottom layer is made
of pebbles and stones.
Composition of a clay tennis court at Roland Garros
Clay courts are known for being the most physically demanding surface in tennis, producing longer rallies. Knowing how to slide around the court is critical for success. Five layers totaling about 80 centimeters (roughly 2.6 feet) make up the famed French Open tennis courts.
Underneath the dust the
next layer is made of 6-7cm
(around 2.5 inches) of
crushed white limestone.
The top layer that gives clay courts
their distinctive ochre hue is made
of 1-2mm of red brick dust,
although other clay courts can
have different colors. These
courts require daily maintenance,
including watering, smoothing
and brushing the lines.
7-8cm (around 3 inches)
of clinker (coal residue).
At least 30cm (11.8 inches)
of crushed gravel.
The bottom layer is made
of pebbles and stones.
Source: Roland Garros
Graphic: Ian Berry and Rosa de Acosta, CNN