Since Sunday, up to 13 June, we can sit back and enjoy the back-and-forth tennis action of the French Open held at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris.
There has been some controversy owing to the dropping out of 23-year-old Naomi Osaka, who cited mental health as a factor.
And while many of these long-held traditions and regulations are outdated and require an overhaul – particularly when concerning mental health – there are others who make this a much-anticipated Grand Slam title. Here’s a look at some of the French Open traditions and historical facts.
* The only time the French Open has been cancelled since it started in 1891 was between 1939 and 1945 for the duration of World War II.
* The French Open is the only Grand Slam played on clay courts, although it’s not technically clay. The courts are surfaced with white limestone and covered with powdered red brick dust, giving them an ochre colour.
* When it comes to the French Open, the ‘King of the Clay’ must be mentioned – Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard has won a record 13 French Open titles and, if he wins a 14th, he’ll surpass Roger Federer as the men’s player with the most Grand Slam titles, at 21.
* In the women’s contest, Serena Williams could tie Margaret Court’s record of 24 women’s singles majors if she takes the 2021 French Open title.
* The title has eluded French nationals for quite some time now. The last Frenchman to win at Roland Garros (actually any Grand Slam) was Yannick Noah in 1983. Mary Pierce was the last woman to win in 2000.
* The prize for the men’s singles is the Coupe des Mousquetaires – the Musketeers’ Cup – referring to the French tennis stars who reigned over the tournament until 1933, aka the Four Musketeers – Jean Borotra, René Lacoste, Jacques Brugnon and Henri Cochet.
* The Coupe des Mousquetaires stays at the stadium in a special trunk created by Louis Vuitton. The winner is given a smaller replica to take home.
*With Paris renowned for its fashion, it’s no surprise that the French Open is a great excuse to dress accordingly. And, when it comes to headwear, Panama hats are the unofficial uniform of Roland Garros for men and women.
* The French Open was originally reserved for French members of French tennis groups. It was only after World War I that international players were invited to compete.
* For those who can’t afford the tickets to get to the French Open, the tournament is shown on a big screen underneath the Eiffel Tower where viewing is free.
Keep updated on all the clay court action by checking out https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/
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