French Open – History, fun facts and information

The 2023 French Open will be the 127th edition of one of the most significant tournaments in professional tennis. This is the second Grand Slam event of the year after the Australian Open, which was held in Melbourne in its traditional slot of January, and the only Grand Slam which is played on clay.

There is plenty to look forward to at the upcoming French Open, where the best male and female tennis players will take to the court in search of glory.

In this article, we will run through all the important information about the 2023 French Open, including key dates, venues, broadcasting networks and the history of the competition.

When Is the French Open Being Held?

The French Open will get under way on May 28 and the event will finish on June 11. It is taking part in the European summer, so good weather is expected throughout the tournament.

Where Is the French Open Being Held?

The French Open will be held at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris. Opened in 1928, it became the tournament’s home that same year and remains so almost a century on.

Roland Garros has 20 clay courts, including the Court Philippe Chatrier, the Court Suzanne Lenglen and the Court Simonne Mathieu.

How Can I Watch the French Open?

The French Open will be televised in more than 220 countries around the world. The authorised broadcasters in a selection of regions and nations can be found below.

Australia – Nine

Asia (except China) – beIN Sports

Canada – RDS, TSN

China – CMG

Europe (except France) – Eurosport

France – France.tv Sport, Amazon Prime

Middle East – beIN Sports United States – NBC, Peacock

History of the French Open

The French Open was founded in 1891, making it the third-oldest Grand Slam event behind Wimbledon and the US Open. Its clay surface has long provided a challenge to players who prefer to play on hard or grass courts.

Originally called the French Championships, it was at first only open to tennis players who belonged to French clubs. At first it was limited to only male players, before opening to women belonging to French Clubs six years later, in 1897. This changed in 1925 when amateurs from across the world were also able to take part.

The winner of the men’s singles tournament is awarded with a trophy known as the Coupe des Mousquetaires. The victorious woman receives the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen.

Five Fun Facts About the French Open

1. Rafael Nadal is the most successful men’s singles player in the history of the French Open, having won a total of 14 titles. Christine Evert leads the way for the women with seven.
2. Roland Garros had no association with tennis, and actually preferred other sports such as rugby and football. The stadium was named after him because he was a fighter pilot in World War One.
3. Only two French tennis players have ever won the French Open: Yannick Noah in the men’s event in 1983, and Mary Pierce in the women’s in 2000.
4. Clay courts tend to slow the ball down and produce higher bounces. The French Open is renowned as a clay tournament, but the first few editions were held on sand.
5. In 1989, Michael Chang became the youngest player to win the French Open – he was just 17 at the time of his triumph.