10 Undeniable Facts About French Open That Makes it Different From Other Grand Slams

Did you know that there are 10 undeniable facts about the French Open that you may not know?

The second name of the French Open is “Roland Garros” which is a second Grand Slam tennis event in the tennis tournament calendar.

This event was first played in 1891 and has a great history. 

This article will drive you through 10 undeniable facts about Roland Garros hat you won’t regret reading.

Let’s get started!

Key Points

• The French Open is the only Grand Slam tournament to be played on clay courts.
• The venue and area of the French Open are relatively smaller and unique than the other three open.
• It took 6 hours and 33 minutes for Fabrice Santoro and dethrone Arnaud to complete the match on a clay court in the French Open

10 Special Facts About French Open

1 – It Has Clay Surface For Matches & Tournaments

Like we said before, the French Open is the only Grand Slam that uses a clay court.

The surprising fact is that these clay courts and not actually made of real clay.

These courts are composed of thick layers of sand, volcanic rocks and have three inches topping of red brick dust.

All of these components make the court look like clay, and that is why it is named as clay court.

On the other hand, the French Open grand slam venues are comparatively small than others which is a unique fact.

2 – Only Two French Tennis Players Have The Honor Of Winning Trophy At The French Open

Since the Open Era began, only two French players have ever won the Roland Garros trophy.

The last French national to win the singles title was Mary Pierce in 2000. Noah won the men’s title in 1983.

Moreover, it is also the spot of longest clay-court match that was played for 6 hours and 33 minutes.

Until 2010, Fabrice Santoro and Dethrone Arnaud played the longest match in the history of the Grand Slam.

3 – The French Open’s Second Name “Roland Garros” Has An Interesting History

The alternative name of French Open has been derived from the name of a stadium where tournaments are hosted.

This stadium was named Roland Garros after the French World War I Legendary pilot Roland Garros.

In native french, the alternative name of French Open is “ Tournoi de Roland-Garros”

4 – French Open Use Clay Courts To Longer The Matches

One of the best facts about French Open is that they used clay courts to longer the matches.

Clay court provide a slow-playing surface compared to other. However, this factor leads to more intense tournaments and matches.

Although, the tournaments played in the Roland Garros are best of five whereas others have best of three.

5 – It Didn’t Cared About The World War II

Did you know that sports activities were stopped during World War II?

Well, it was the only grand slam that manages to host a tournament between 1941 to 1945.

Another amazing fact about French Open is that these tournaments were not recognized by the French Government officially.

6 – Australian Domination Was A Master Move In The French Roland Garros

In the 1960s, Australian players dominated the clay courts of France and managed to take eight French Pro titles.

These titles were only taken by Australian players which is an amazing thing!

7 – The Roland Garros Has A King Of Clay

Rafael Nadal is the greatest tennis player of all time. He is the only player who holds the current record for most French Titles.

From 2005 to 2014, Nadal was the only player who took the title 9 times by playing on clay courts except in 2009.

The title of 2009 was taken by Roger Federer!

Final Words

The playing style on the clay court has failed several professional players to win the match.

Moreover, these facts about French Open are true factors that separate this Grand Slam from others.

Whenever it comes to the King Of Clay Court, the only name we had in our mind is “Rafael Nadal”