Roland-Garros, better known internationally as the French Open, is the only Grand Slam played on red clay — and the most physically punishing tournament on the tennis calendar. Founded in 1891 as a French-only championship and opened to the world in 1925, the tournament has called the Stade Roland Garros in the 16th arrondissement of Paris home since 1928. It is named in tribute to Roland Garros, the pioneering French aviator who in 1913 became the first pilot to cross the Mediterranean Sea solo.
The tournament's clay defines its character. Long, gruelling rallies, sliding footwork and patient point-construction reward stamina and tactical intelligence. From the legendary Four Musketeers of the 1920s — Borotra, Cochet, Lacoste and Brugnon, after whom the men's Coupe des Mousquetaires is named — to Björn Borg with his 6 titles in the 1970s and the unmatched reign of Rafael Nadal, who lifted the trophy a record 14 times between 2005 and 2022, Paris has produced more clay-court legends than any other stage. On the women's side, Steffi Graf and Chris Evert built dynasties; turned the late 2000s into her own kingdom; and has won the title since 2020.
The grounds are dominated by the Court Philippe-Chatrier, joined by the Court Suzanne-Lenglen and the modern Court Simonne-Mathieu opened in 2019. The roar of the Paris crowd, the orange dust on white shoes, and the unforgettable image of Yannick Noah lifting the cup in 1983 — the last French man to win at home — make Roland-Garros a sporting and cultural ritual every spring.
