All You Need to Know About the French Open

Image Source: Tennis World USA

The French Open 2019 is underway and we couldn’t be more excited.

Named after the renowned French aviator Roland Garros who was killed in combat during the Great War, the French Open is the second of the tennis grand slams of a calendar year. It is the only grand slam held on the clay court and is one of the most anticipated events in the tennis world.

The tournament is held in Stade Roland Garros (Roland Garros Stadium), located in Paris, France. The 21-acre facility contains 20 courts.

French Open 2019

The 123rd edition of the French Open started on 26th May and it will end on 9th June.

The winners of the men’s and women’s singles title receive €2,300,000, an increase of €100,000 compared to 2018.

Defending champions

The defending champions of the French Open are Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the men’s singles category and Romanian Simona Halep in the women’s singles category.

French players Pierre-Hugues Herbert and France Nicolas Mahut are the defending champions in the men’s doubles category whereas Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková from the Czech Republic are the champions in the women’s singles category.

A Brief History of the French Open

The French Open was first played in 1891 when it was an event for players who belonged to French clubs. While the event was initially only for men, it opened to women in 1897. It was only much later in 1925 when the event was opened to participants from across the world.

In the year 1928, the tournament moved to the Roland Garros stadium and has been played there since.

It was suspended from 1940 to 1945 due to the World War. In 1968, the French Open became the first grand slam to become an open tournament.

Since then, it has come to be known as one of the popular and anticipated events of the tennis world.

Records, Trivia, and Facts about the French Open

Who do you think will win the crown this year? Will Nadal win a record 12th title? Whom are you betting on? Do let us know!

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