French Open/Roland-Garros
This competition can be called a world championship in tennis on gravel because it is the only Grand Slam competition to be played right on gravel. Gravel is a bit slower ground, but it also means that it becomes more physically demanding. It also makes certain players who are good at special types get it harder.
For example, players who, on other fast basis, usually succeed with their services, will find it more difficult here. The competition is played in May and it was founded as early as 1891 and it is played at Roland-Garros in Paris, France. From 1925 opened competitively for international players, previously it had been reserved only for French players.
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As early as 1891, the first edition of the French Open was played, which also goes by several different names. Maybe you recognize it as Championnats Internationaux de France, Roland-Garros or French Open. From the beginning it was a competition only for the French, but from 1925 it was opened to other countries. Today, the French Open is one of the Grand Slam and is the only one played on gravel.
History of Roland-Garros
The first time the competition was played was in 1891 in Paris. It was a one-day event for men. The ladies were not allowed into the tournament until 1897. From 1925, participants from other countries were also allowed and the event grew in size.
There was a tennis acid in France when they also took home Davis Cup titles. In connection with this, the possibility was opened for a new arena in the southwestern parts of Paris. The seller of the land had the requirement that the competition be named after a famous member of the club, namely Roland Garros who was known as an aviation pioneer and the first to fly across the Mediterranean. The new Roland Garros stadium was completed in 1928 and since then this tennis competition has been called both the French Open and the Roland Garros.
Roland-Garros is usually played in late May and early June and has paused a few times during the history of World War II. In 2020, the competition has been moved to be held in September and October.
The arena
When the arena was completed, the capacity was about 8,000 people and since then the arena has been modernized and expanded. There are 18 tracks in the arena, three of which are main tracks. The current capacity is around 15,000 people. Further expansion of the arena is difficult as it is close to large traffic areas and residential areas.
French Open – one of the Grand Slam competitions
Winning and also being able to participate in the French Open is a big event in tennis. From 1968, this competition became an “open”, which meant that both amateurs and professional players could participate.
Another important part of the competition is that it is the only Grand Slam competition that is conducted on gravel, which of course places demands on the player a little extra in terms of mastering the game. There are many who have tried in the French Open but who have not succeeded all the way forward.
During the competition, there are several players who have been successful and won several titles during different time periods. There are also many who have never succeeded, one of them is Pete Sampras who had his heyday in the 1990s.
Other Grand Slam competitions that are not played on gravel are the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.
Different prizes in the French Open
During the French Open, three different prizes will be awarded after the tournament has ended; Prix Orange (Orange Prize), Prix Lemon (Lemon Prize), Prix Bourgeon (Bud Price)
Orange Price
The prize is awarded to the player who showed the best sportsmanship during the French Open. The winner is chosen by the public. Roger Federer was awarded the prize five times in a row from 2005 to 2009, which is a record.
Lemon price
Another slightly different prize that is awarded during the French Open is called the lemon prize. It has its origins in a Parisian tradition where celebrities known for their bad mood, were awarded this prize every year. Since 1981, the prize has been awarded to the player who showed “strongest personality” during the French Open. The winner is chosen together by the public and journalists.
Bourgeon Prize
Bourgeon means “bud” in French and the prize is awarded to the player who according to journalists is considered to have developed the most in the past year.
French Open winners
The most successful male player here has been Rafael Nadal who combed home ten full titles.
| Men | Women | |
| 2019 | Rafael Nadal | Ashleigh Barty |
| 2018 | Rafael Nadal | Simona Halep |
| 2017 | Rafael Nadal | Jeļena Ostapenko |
| 2016 | Novak Djokovic | Gabriñe Muguruza |
| 2015 | Stanislas Wawrinka | Serena Williams |
| 2014 | Rafael Nadal | Maria Sharapova |
| 2013 | Rafael Nadal | Serena Williams |
| 2012 | Rafael Nadal | Maria Sharapova |
| 2011 | Rafael Nadal | Li Na |
| 2010 | Rafael Nadal | Francesca Schiavone |