FRENCH OPEN GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

The French Open (otherwise known as Roland Garros) is held annually during May/June, it is the second of the Grand Slam tournaments on the annual tennis calendar and the premier clay court tennis tournament in the world. Roland Garros is the only Grand Slam still held on clay and ends the spring clay court season.

The event began in 1891, as a national tournament that was open only to tennis players who were licensed in France. It was known as the Championat de France International de Tennis.

In 1968, the French Championships became the first Grand Slam tournament to go 'open', allowing both amateurs and professionals to compete.

Since 1981, new prizes have been presented: the Prix Orange (for the play demonstrating the best sportsmanship and cooperative attitude with the press), the Prix Citron (for the player with the strongest character and personality) and the Prix Bourgeon (for the tennis player revelation of the year).

In March 2007, it was announced that the event will provide equal prize money for both men and women in all rounds for the first time ever.

Because of the slow playing surface and the five-set men's singles matches without a tiebreak in the final set, the event is widely considered to be the most physically demanding tennis tournament in the world.

French Open Winner's Archive