As the iconic Grand Slam event held in the heart of Paris, Roland Garros has witnessed countless tennis legends etch their names in history on its hallowed clay courts. As one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, the French Open has been the stage for breathtaking displays of skill, resilience, and unparalleled determination.
Until 1975, the French Open was the only major tournament not played on grass. It is usually considered the most physically challenging event in tennis due to the seven rounds required for a title, the clay surface characteristics (slower speed, more bounce), and the best-of-five-set men’s singles matchups. This all leads to hugely exciting matches so it’s no surprise that Roland Garros tickets are always in high demand every year.
In this exploration of the Legends of Roland Garros, we will talk about the stories of key players in the open era who have left an indelible mark on the tournament, both among men and women.
Men’s Division
Rafael Nadal
No discussion about Roland Garros legends is complete without paying homage to Spanish player ‘Rafael Nadal’, aptly nicknamed the “King of Clay.” Nadal’s dominance on the red dirt is unparalleled, with an astonishing record-breaking 14 French Open titles. Nadal has been ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for 209 weeks, and has finished as the year-end No. 1 five times.
He has won 92 ATP singles titles, including 36 Masters titles, with 63 of these on clay courts and is one of only two men to complete the Career Golden Slam in singles.
Nadal’s indomitable spirit and relentless work ethic have earned him a place as the greatest male player in the history of the French Open.
Bjorn Borg
In the late 1970s, Swedish sensation and former world No. 1 tennis player, Bjorn Borg conquered Roland Garros with an icy demeanor and a distinctive playing style. Between 1974 and 1981, he became the first man in the Open Era to win 11 Grand Slam singles titles with six at the French Open and five consecutively at Wimbledon.
Borg also won three year-end championships and 16 Grand Prix Super Series titles. Overall, he set numerous records that still stand.
Borg’s six French Open titles, achieved consecutively from 1974 to 1981, showcase his mastery on the clay courts, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats of Roland Garros.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic, the iconic Serbian player, who currently holds the prestigious world No. 1 singles ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). His dominance is unparalleled, boasting this top position for a record total of 402 weeks, spanning an exceptional 13 different years.
Djokovic’s illustrious career is adorned with a remarkable 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, solidifying his status as the all-time record holder. This extraordinary tally includes three French Open titles, an unmatched ten Australian Open titles, seven Wimbledon titles, and four US Open titles.
He stands as the sole player to concurrently hold the reigning champion title in all four majors across three distinct surfaces.
Women’s Division
Chris Evert
In the women’s division, Chris Evert stands as the undisputed Queen of Clay at Roland Garros. The American former world No. 1 tennis legend clinched an impressive record seven French Open titles, three Wimbledon titles, two Australian Open titles and a joint-record six US Open titles during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Evert held the world No. 1 ranking for 260 weeks and was the year’s top singles player seven times. She, along with her main adversary Martina Navratilova, dominated women’s tennis for much of the 1970s and 1980s.
Evert’s graceful yet relentless baseline play, coupled with her mental fortitude, made her a force to be reckoned with on the red clay of Paris.
Steffi Graf
Steffi Graf, the German tennis legend, showcased her versatility and dominance across all surfaces, including the clay of Roland Garros. Accumulating a remarkable legacy, she secured an impressive total of 22 major singles titles, marking her as the second-most successful women’s singles player since the initiation of the Open Era in 1968 and ranking her third overall in tennis history.
She won six French Open singles titles, seven Wimbledon singles titles, four Australian Open titles, and five US Open singles titles.
Graf etched her name in history by becoming the only tennis player to accomplish the Golden Slam across three surfaces, and the first to win all four major singles titles and securing the Olympic gold medal within the same calendar year.
Justine Henin
Justine Henin, from Belgium, left an indelible mark on Roland Garros with four French Open titles.
As a distinguished figure in tennis, she held the esteemed position of former world No. 1, boasting an impressive tenure of 117 weeks and achieving the coveted year-end No. 1 ranking. Hailing from a nation with a limited tennis legacy, Henin played a pivotal role in elevating Belgium into a prominent force in women’s tennis, standing alongside Kim Clijsters.
Renowned for her mental fortitude, the versatility and completeness of her playing style, remarkable footspeed, and impeccable footwork, she became a standout presence in the tennis world. Her one-handed backhand garnered acclaim, being lauded as “the best single-handed backhand in both the women’s or men’s game” by tennis experts.
As the red clay of Roland Garros continues to witness new battles and triumphs, the legends of the past cast a long shadow over the tournament. From Nadal’s relentless reign to Evert’s graceful dominance, each player has contributed to the rich tapestry of Roland Garros history. The French Open remains a stage where legends are born, records are shattered, and the spirit of tennis excellence thrives on the clay courts of Paris.
