The French Tennis Federation (FFT) has "finally been given the go-ahead to redevelop Roland Garros," according to the PA. The FFT announced plans in '13 to expand the site of the French Open but "has been mired in a long-running legal battle with opponents." The controversy "centers on a new court to be built in the neighboring botanic gardens, where there are a number of historic greenhouses." But the FFT announced on Thursday that "final appeals by environmental groups and local opponents had been rejected." The work, which includes a retractable roof over the main court, Philippe Chatrier, is expected to be completed by '20, "two years later than originally planned" (PA, 2/2). The Administrative Court of Paris extinguished the last judicial fire lit by the opponents of the modernization project of Roland Garros. By removing the 50 means of illegalities raised, the court enshrines the legality of the building permits for this project, which is crucial for the future of the Roland Garros tournament and French tennis (FFT).
