The legendary French street artist takes on the prestigious annual commission, bringing his distinctive vision to tennis’s most iconic clay tournament.
Every year since 1980, the Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT) has invited a visionary artist to create the official poster for Roland-Garros, one of tennis’s most storied Grand Slam tournaments. For 2026, this prestigious project has been entrusted to JR, the internationally renowned French street artist and photographer who has become a major figure in contemporary French culture.
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence at Roland-Garros
The tradition of commissioning original artwork for Roland-Garros represents far more than marketing—it is a celebration of the marriage between sport and culture that defines France’s most prestigious tennis event. Since 1980, the FFT has carefully selected artists whose work embodies the spirit of competition, elegance, and innovation that the tournament exemplifies. Each poster becomes part of Roland-Garros history, a visual document of the era in which it was created.
JR’s selection for the 2026 edition underscores the FFT’s commitment to engaging with artists who push boundaries and challenge conventions. Known for his large-scale black-and-white photographic installations that address themes of identity, inequality, and human connection, JR brings a distinctive artistic perspective that extends far beyond traditional sports marketing.
JR’s Artistic Vision Comes to Clay
The French artist’s work is characterized by bold, immersive installations that transform public spaces and engage communities. His signature approach—combining photography, public intervention, and social commentary—has made him one of the most recognizable contemporary artists on the global stage. At Roland-Garros, held annually in May and June on the iconic clay courts of Paris’s 16th arrondissement, JR’s vision will greet millions of fans, broadcasters, and journalists from around the world.
The 2026 Roland-Garros tournament will take place from May 24 to June 7, with defending champions Carlos Alcaraz among the favorites on the men’s side and Iga Swiatek seeking her fifth French Open title on the women’s side. The official poster created by JR will serve as the visual identity for an event that consistently attracts the world’s best players to compete on the demanding clay surface.
This collaboration between the FFT and JR represents a continued investment in artistic excellence, ensuring that Roland-Garros remains not only a premier tennis venue but also a cultural landmark where sport and art intersect in meaningful ways.
This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue