The Roland-Garros eSeries by Renault has unveiled its eight finalists, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown. With a staggering 515,000 players from 221 countries participating in 9.5 million Tennis Clash matches, the competition has been fierce. The journey to the Final Stage has been nothing short of epic, and now, the moment we've all been waiting for is here.
Reigning champion Alessandro Bianco will defend his title against a talented lineup including Hizir Balkanci, the winner of the first Open Qualifier, alongside Anyndia Lestari, Omer Feder, Adjua Thembisa Boucher, Eugen Mosdir, Bartu Yildirim, and Samuel Sanin Ortiz. These finalists will clash on May 24th at the Roland-Garros Tenniseum, promising a spectacle of skill and strategy.
This year's format adds an extra layer of excitement. The eight finalists will be divided into two teams, each led by a tennis legend. Gilles Simon, former ATP world Number 6 and a finalist from last year, will captain one team, while former Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli will lead the other. The teams will compete in a series of matches, with the winners advancing to the Winner Bracket. Meanwhile, those eliminated will have a second chance in the Loser Bracket, where individual prowess will determine who emerges as the ultimate Roland-Garros eSeries champion.
Adding to the excitement, Samuel Etienne, a renowned French personality and Twitch streamer with over 1 million followers, will host the event. He will be joined by esports expert Quento and former Tennis Clash number 1, Benny, also known as GP365. The tournament will be brought to life with a replica of the iconic Philippe-Chatrier court and custom outfits, capturing the true spirit of Roland-Garros. Esteemed French umpire Aurélie Tourte will officiate, ensuring a series of thrilling matches.
The event will take place in front of 250 spectators at the auditorium and will be broadcast live on Samuel Etienne’s Twitch channel and the Roland-Garros YouTube channel at 4pm CEST. Viewers can look forward to watching every match, enjoying interactive segments, and engaging with special guests who will delve into passionate discussions about tennis and eTennis, making for a truly immersive experience.
