Roland Garros roof needs to arrive for the jokes to stop

When raindrops fall onto Roland Garros’ red clay this year, umbrellas will open up, but not a roof over court Philippe Chatrier. So far, the only real weather hiccup has been Alexander Zverev's match with Fernando Verdasco, suspended overnight at one-set all due to rain and darkness. (Rome champion Zverev would lose in four sets).

More rain is predicted to wash over the grounds by fortnight's end. Despite all the efforts and projections that promise Roland Garros will have a roof by 2020, get ready for another rollicking round of roof jokes. After all, the French Open is now the only major without a roof, and it has plodded through nearly a decade of delays on construction.

The wet sorrows have produced this viral moment though:

But in 2016, the rain ruined the second week at the French Open, causing a full day of match cancellations and plenty of delays that drenched the spirit of the tournament. The jokes came thundering in from the voices of the other three major roofs.

Last year’s stinging rebuke from New York is doubly painful this year.

Of course Paris can always tout other cultural and historical marvels like the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and fine food.

Australia has spent three decades with a sparkling makeover of a surface change, new facilities and multiple roofs. The US Open upgraded their venue by switching to the now commonplace blue surface and erecting cover over Arthur Ashe Stadium. Wimbledon, where tennis tradition was born, constructed a retractable marvel over Centre Court eight years ago.

Not to worry, Roland Garros has all the figures and projections ready. Perhaps it will have the last word and laugh.

Then again, there’s just something about red clay that seems to resist the 21st century. The well-tailored chair umpires look like they still enjoy coming down to point their fingers at clay-court marks near the lines instead of leaning back to view Hawk-Eye replays.

Brace yourself when the rain comes for real and the clamoring for a roof begins again; just three more years to go.

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