During Roland-Garros, the spirit of the terre battue can be felt throughout Paris. You don't need to be inside the tournament grounds to notice it; it's in the conversations, the crowded terraces at the end of the day, and on a rooftop made of raw clay at "Stella Artois Pure Gold" at Hotel SAX in Paris—one of the most aspirational and sought-after experiences in Paris, beyond the tournament itself.
Red clay covered much of the rooftop; several kilometers away from Philippe-Chatrier, there was a sense that the experience and spirit of Roland Garros carried well beyond the courts. No queues, no rush and none of the tension that naturally comes with competition—just an Eiffel Tower-dominated skyline and one very legendary attendee: Brazilian champion Gustavo Kuerten.