French Open finally secures broadcast partner

08 November 2009 | Posted in Broadcast, Tennis | By Adam Fraser

France Télévisions has secured rights to the French Open until 2013 in a multi-million dollar deal that will see it screen all tennis at Roland Garros for four years.

The broadcaster will pay €15.5 million (US$23.1 million) per year, according to respected sports newspaper L'Equipe. Last month, Orange acquired the mobile phone rights to the tournament for €1 million (US$1.49 million) per year.

The coverage will begin with next year's tournament, the 109th edition of the French Open, which will see Roger Federer, the world number one, attempt to defend his crown. His greatest difficulty in doing that will no doubt be Rafael Nadal, who was beaten by Robin Soderling in 2009 but had won the previous four editions of the competition.

2009's best performing Frenchman was Gaël Monfils, who reached the quarter finals. Monfils also reached the semi-final stage in 2008.

• French Open will spend big to compete with Wimbledon

The French Open's future has been the subject of much debate this year, with authorities threatening to move it from Roland Garros if the local government does not allow the installation of a retractable roof.