French Open Tennis

The French Open is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments that take place each year. It is held in Paris in late May and runs through to early June.

Since 1928, the venue used has been the Stade Roland Garros where they play on clay, the only Grand Slam to be played on the surface.

It has also been held at the Ile de Pueaux, The Racing Clib de France, Societe Athletique de la Villa Primrose and Tennis Club de Paris in the early years of its existence.

In 1891, the first recognised French Open was held and the winner was recorded as H.Briggs of Great Britain. It was only open back then to players who were registered members of French clubs.

It wasn't until 1897 that the first women's singles event was held. In 1902 the mixed doubles competition was added, while in 1907 the women's doubles became a regular on the schedule.

The next significant point in the history of the event came in 1925 when it was open to all amateurs internationally. Before 1925, Frenchman Max Decugis dominated the tournament with eight wins. 

Between 1925 and 1967, Henri Cochet held the record for the most singles titles with four. His wins came in the 1920s and 1930s. 

In 1968 the French Championships allowed professionals to enter as well as amateurs. They were the first of the four Grand Slams to do so. That year it was won by Ken Rosewell from Australia, whilst the following year his compatriot Rod Laver also landed the crown.

Since then, Rafael Nadal has been the most dominant player in the men's tournament's history. He has won this clay competition on eight occasions. He first did so in 2005, marking a run of four consecutive titles, whilst he has also won four on the spin since 2010.

In the women's competition, Suzanne Lenglen was successful six times in the 1920s. The French amateur was one of the most talented players of her period and had a court named after her at the stadium. After 1967, it is American Chris Evert who currently holds the best record with six wins. Her first Roland Garros crown arrived in 1974. She then won her last title 12 years later in 1986.

2007 was a big year for women's tennis as it was announced that prize money at the French Open was going to be distributed fairly between the men's and women's tournaments for the first time.

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