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 victors 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 thrill, Samuel Etienne, a renowned French personality and Twitch streamer with over 1 million followers, will host the event. He'll be joined by esports expert Quento and former Tennis Clash number 1, Benny, 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.
250 spectators will witness the action live at the auditorium, while fans worldwide can tune in via Samuel Etienne’s Twitch and the Roland-Garros YouTube channels at 4pm CEST. Viewers can expect to watch every match, enjoy interactive segments, and engage with special guests in passionate discussions about tennis and eTennis.