Since 1980, the French Tennis Federation has seamlessly interwoven contemporary art with the prestigious Roland-Garros tournament. Each year, they commission a renowned artist to design the official poster, transforming it into a coveted emblem of the event. For the 2025 edition, the FFT has selected the acclaimed graphic designer and illustrator, Marc-Antoine Mathieu, to bring his unique artistic vision to life.
Mathieu, a graduate of the Beaux-Arts d’Angers, boasts an notable career spanning over three decades. He has authored approximately twenty comic book albums, showcasing his versatility through diverse narratives ranging from experimental book-objects to more traditional storytelling. His talent extends beyond illustration, as he also crafts compelling storylines. His moast celebrated series features the adventures of Julius Corentin Acquefacques, earning him the prestigious Alph’Art Favorite award at the Angoulême international Comics Festival in 1991 and the Best Album Award at the Sierre International Comics Festival in 2002.Beyond his comic book creations, Mathieu’s artistic prowess extends to scenography. At the Lucie Lom workshop in Angers, he designs immersive exhibition experiences, sculpting spaces with light and sound to captivate visitors.
The selection process for the Roland-Garros poster is rigorous. This year, the FFT, in collaboration with Fabrice Bousteau, editor-in-chief of Beaux Arts Magazine, shortlisted three artists. From these exceptional proposals, Mathieu’s artistic vision resonated most deeply with the selection commitee.
Mathieu’s poster for Roland-Garros 2025 is a groundbreaking departure, marking the first time the world of comics takes center stage on the tournament’s official artwork. Inspired by the tennis court, Mathieu ingeniously blends the lines of the court with the grid pattern of a comic book page, inviting viewers to engage with the sport in a novel way.The poster unfolds as a series of vignettes, each capturing a fleeting moment of a match, encouraging viewers to piece together the narrative. The colour palette reflects the tournament’s iconic hues: the vibrant yellow of the tennis ball, the earthy ocher of the clay court, and the serene blue of the Parisian sky.
Mathieu deliberately leaves room for interpretation, inviting spectators to construct their own stories within the framework of his artwork. While he guides the viewer through the temporal progression of the sequence, hinting at the transition from day to evening sessions through the presence of the moon and stars, the ultimate narrative remains open to individual imagination.
This fusion of the Roland-garros legacy with the dynamic world of comics promises a poster brimming with surprises and visual delights.
A Grand Slam of Art: An Interview with Tennis legend, Amélie Mauresmo, on the Roland Garros Poster
Welcome back, tennis fans! Today, we have the incredible honor of speaking with former world No. 1 adn two-time Grand Slam champion, Amélie Mauresmo. Amélie, thanks so much for joining us!
Amélie: My pleasure! It’s always great to talk about tennis and, of course, Roland Garros.
Host: Absolutely! We’re discussing the exciting news about the 2025 Roland Garros poster designed by renowned comic book artist, Marc-Antoine Mathieu. Any thoughts on this unique selection?
Amélie: It’s fantastic! As a long-time admirer of both tennis and comics,I think it’s a brilliant fusion. Bringing the vibrancy and storytelling of the comics world to such a prestigious event is a refreshing and bold move.
Host: Mathieu’s approach of blending the tennis court lines with the grid pattern of a comic book page is truly innovative. What do you think this says about the evolution of art at Roland Garros?
Amélie: It speaks volumes about the tournament’s willingness to embrace creativity and connect with a wider audience. Traditionally, the posters have been more illustrative or photographic. This shift towards a graphic novel aesthetic indicates a forward-thinking approach, appealing to younger generations and art enthusiasts alike.
Host: Speaking of younger generations, how do you think this concept might resonate with young tennis fans?
Amélie: It’s exciting! We’ve seen how manga and graphic novels have a huge following among young people. This poster could be a gateway for them to discover the world of tennis, its history, and the passion behind the sport.
Host: Mathieu’s poster isn’t simply visually striking; it also encourages viewers to interpret the narrative themselves. Do you think this open-ended approach adds to the excitement surrounding Roland Garros?
Amélie: Absolutely! It sparks curiosity and encourages engagement. Tennis,at its core,is about stories – rivalries,comebacks,thrilling moments.Mathieu’s piece captures that essence, inviting us to imagine our own narratives around the sport and the tournament.
Host: Indeed! What are your thoughts on the specific color palette chosen for the poster, mirroring the iconic hues of Roland Garros?
Amélie: I think it’s beautifully executed. The vibrant yellow of the tennis ball, the earthy ochre of the clay court, the Parisian blue sky – these are colours synonymous with Roland garros. They instantly transport you to the atmosphere of the tournament.
host: We’ve seen incredible poster designs in the past, but do you think Mathieu’s approach marks a new era for Roland Garros art?
Amélie: It’s certainly a remarkable addition to the rich legacy of Roland Garros posters. Whether it marks a new era remains to be seen. But one thing is without a doubt – it’s a bold statement, a testament to the tournament’s commitment to innovation and its ability to surprise and delight audiences.
Host: Well said, amélie! Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us. This is certainly a conversation starter. What are your thoughts,tennis fans? Does Mathieu’s design spark your interest? Do you think this is a fitting representation of Roland Garros? Share your opinions in the comments below!
