French Open draws record numbers for Eurosport
June 14, 2018
Eurosport hsd reported record-breaking linear and digital viewership for Roland Garros, making it the most successful edition on the channel for 13 years.
Eurosport reached 56.9 million fans across the continent with its linear coverage, an 11 per cent increase compared to the 2017 tournament. On digital platforms, Eurosport also recorded over 29 million video views during the event – an increase of 23 per cent – as Eurosport’s social networks (Facebook, YouTube and Instagram) were the go-to destination for tennis fans.
Rafael Nadal’s 11th title triumph in the decider on Court Philippe-Chatrier over Dominic Thiem was watched by 4.5 million (on average) across Europe, making it the most watched men’s final since 2005.
Eurosport also reported its most-watched women’s final since 2005 as Romanian Simona Halep saw off Sloane Stephens in three sets to claim her maiden Grand Slam title. An average of 3.7 million tuned in across Eurosport’s key markets across the continent.
Making it the most popular Roland Garros overall since 2005, over 1.3 million (on average) watched the tournament throughout the 15 days of tennis, an increase of 17 per cent versus 2017 and +35 per cent compared with 2016. Germany (+34 per cent), Netherlands (+163 per cent), Spain (+34 per cent) and Norway (+21 per cent) all contributed to the significant uplift in viewer numbers.
Emir Osmanbegovic, SVP Sports Content and Production at Eurosport, said: “Roland Garros was amazing for us. Eurosport has taken tennis coverage to new heights with a dream team of experts, 4k production, innovation and engaging content on our social and digital channels. Discovery’s record-breaking first Olympic Games and results such as those recorded for Roland Garros shows that the audience appreciate our coverage of premium sports events on all platforms.”