Behind the Scenes of TNT Sports at the French Open 2025
As I step into the bunker-like command center, enveloped in darkness, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The only illumination comes from a glitzy array of monitors displaying courts, crowds, backstage frenzies, and exclusive interviews. A crew member quips, “That’s what covering 18 courts, in 19 languages, for 49 countries looks like.” This encapsulates the essence of TNT Sport’s monumental broadcasting operation at the French Open 2025.
A New Era: TNT Sports Takes the Helm
Mail Sport has stumbled upon an extraordinary journey behind the scenes of TNT Sport, having recently taken over broadcasting responsibility for Roland Garros. For 36 years, Eurosport held the reins, crafting a commendable pan-European coverage. However, this year’s operation is set at an entirely different level, engaging viewers like never before.
The transformation commenced a year prior when Warner Bros Discovery acquired BT’s stake in TNT Sports. Right here at Roland Garros, a pivotal deal was struck, granting TNT the American broadcast rights for a decade. This landscape shift meant that Eurosport, under Discovery’s umbrella, would merge into TNT in the UK, creating a powerhouse of sports broadcasting.
The expansion is staggering: the talent pool swelled from six pundits to 30. Moreover, the crew size skyrocketed to 250, operating across four studios, utilizing 43 cameras connected by an intricate network of 374 fiber optic cables.
Morning Preparations and Rehearsals
The crew’s day initiates at 8 AM, precisely three hours before the first ball is struck on the courts. Meticulous planning ensues as schedules are drawn and rehearsals kick off. The adrenaline is palpable; this show must maintain its momentum until the last match is completed, often stretching past midnight, only to reset and start all over again the next day.
Scott Young, leading Discovery’s European sports ventures, equates the magnitude of this operation to that of the Olympics rather than previous Eurosport endeavors, signaling a paradigm shift in the broadcasting realm.
The Dynamic TNT Studios
Venturing through the Discovery studios provides a thrilling insight into the action-packed environment. At the UK studio, host Craig Doyle is audaciously challenging Tim Henman to replicate the controversial Carlos Alcaraz trick shot, setting the stage for a blend of entertainment and sports prowess.
Just beside them, in the TNT US studio, former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki shares a light-hearted moment with Chris Eubanks, consistently discussing tennis—even during downtime. This camaraderie among the talent fosters a vibrant atmosphere, creating an infectious passion for the sport.
Chopping Between Matches
The experience varies as I step into TruTV, another Discovery channel catering to American viewers. Here, the ambiance is more spontaneous as they capitalize on the live action, switching between courts as exciting moments unfold rather than broadcasting an entire match sequentially. “It’s for real tennis fans,” explains the floor manager, emphasizing the channel’s commitment to delivering the most electric moments from Roland Garros.
Pundits may primarily be assigned to a specific channel but possess the flexibility to traverse the studios, enriching discussions with insights on different players—like Mark Petchey jumping over to share perspectives on Emma Raducanu at one moment, and Tim Henman heading to the US studio to analyze Jack Draper the next.
The Blend of American and European Styles
One of the primary challenges lies in harmonizing two distinct broadcasting paradigms. Young notes that it requires blending the relaxed, roving, exploratory nature of Eurosport, well known for capturing the nuances of the Roland Garros environment, with the more polished, studio-based aesthetic favored by American audiences.
“Americans lean into physical sets,” he details, hinting at the visual idiosyncrasies that differentiate the US and UK portrayals of the tournament. A dual set structure enables an engaging flow, allowing pundits and players to seamlessly navigate between various shows without hitches.
The content further diverges; the UK broadcasts tend to adhere to a professional tone, while the US programming adds a touch of whimsy and cultural flair. “We’re introducing French culture to American audiences through tennis,” Young articulates.
A Year in Preparation
This fortnight represents the culmination of extensive planning and hard work over the past year—an effort heightened by the acquisition of US rights in 2024. The team was on the ground well ahead of schedule, with construction on the studios starting a month prior to the tournament. “We knew we had to get it right,” Young says, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that underpins this massive operation.
The Logic Behind Night Sessions
In the midst of all this excitement, a contrasting narrative unfolds regarding the tournament structure. Every French Open night session has featured male competitors for the second consecutive year, despite tournament director Amelie Mauresmo’s reasoning—arguing that the longer format of men’s matches justifies their selection. Yet, as we witness Jannik Sinner decimate Andrey Rublev in a mere eight-game match, questions loom around the fairness of such an arrangement.
Rising Stars to Watch
Even amid the grand spectacle of the French Open, notable emerging talents continue to shine. One such name is 17-year-old Mimi Xu from Great Britain, who recently made headlines with a stunning victory over top seed Alycia Parks at the Birmingham Challenger. It’s a promising sign for the future of British women’s tennis, showcasing that even in the shadows of grand tournaments, fresh talent is making its mark.
The dazzling tapestry of TNT Sports’ operation at the French Open 2025 reveals an intricate blend of ambition, logistic prowess, and an unmatched passion for tennis that resonates through every broadcast and behind every storytelling moment.
