Like golf, tennis recognizes four major championships: Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the US Open, and the French Open. Winning all four of these prestigious tournaments is known as a "Grand Slam." Therefore, these tournaments are often collectively referred to as "The Grand Slams."
It's no secret that I love sports, but I also love history and tradition. Combining sports, history, and tradition is...amazing.*chef's kiss* These loves have led me to these types of posts in which I dive into the rich histories of some of sports' most iconic events.
This post will focus on the French Open, AKA Roland Garros, and answer the wh-questions surrounding this open.
So, let's meet The King of the Clay.
When: The French Open is held every year over two weeks between May and June. This year the exact dates are May 28-June 11.
Where: The French Open is held on a clay court at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France.
What: The winners of the men's and women's singles tournament will each receive 2.7 million dollars (PHEW!). The winning teams for the men and women's doubles tournament will receive over 600 thousand dollars, while the mixed doubles tournament champions will win around 150 thousand dollars. I don't know about you, but those sound like nice chunks of money. Additionally, each of the tournaments has its own trophy. The men's singles winner will receive the Coupe des Mousquetaires and the women's singles winner will get the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen. The men's doubles winners get the Coupe Jacques Brugnon, the women's doubles winners secure the Coupe Simone Mathieu, and the mixed doubles winners will take home the Coupe Marcel Bernard. (source)
How: So...how did the French Open begin, you ask? Well, in 1891, a one-day, men-only national championship tournament was held on the courts of l'Ile de Puteaux in Paris. Even though only French players and members of French clubs could compete, the first winner was actually a British man. How is that possible? Because he was a resident of Paris, France and a part of French tennis club and, therefore, entitled to compete (loophole in the system). In 1897, the women's championship was introduced. Additionally, decades later in 1925, the tournament opened to the best players from around the world. As the tournament grew, so did the need for a new stadium. In 1928, the French Open was moved to its new home: the Stade de Roland-Garros.
Why: There are many people who believe winning the French Open is the toughest of the Grand Slams. Further, there are many who believe winning the French Open is one of the hardest feats in all sports. Let's find out why. In short, the reason the French Open is harder to win is due to the clay courts. When playing on a clay court, the dirt of the court makes the ball go slower--naturally cutting down sheer strength and power many players utilize to their advantage on other style courts. By neutralizing someone's power, it can equilize the game for the opponents. Additionally, since the ball is going slower, points are harder to come by...making the game slower and longer. In fact, many players spend twice as much time on the clay courts during a match as they do other surfaces; which increases the demands for patience, endurance and overall cardio. To continue, the clay courts courts play differently depending on the weather conditions. If it rains and the court is wet, the ball goes EVEN SLOWER, therefore, players must use more force to hit the ball in order to cast it into the correct spot...which requires more endurance once again. Also, if the court is wet, it affects the smoothness of the court. If the court is uneven, it will naturally affect the landings and flights of the ball, which in turn requires a new approach for those receiving or hitting the ball. On top of all of this, the clay court requires a player to adjust to sliding when hitting due to the dirt's lack of traction, as opposed to the traction of hard courts. Since many players grow up on and mostly play on hard courts, a player must adjust their balance, running, cutting, and stopping abilities to the clay. (Imagine if NBA players had to go play basketball championships on a gravel or dirt court in a park, do you think that may affect their game?) Finally, on top of all of these physical demands...you're also doing it alone (with the exception of doubles). If you have a bad day, that's on you...there is no team to back you up or compensate for your bad play or lack of endurance. You win or lose, alone. (Source: one & two)
Who: Although I thought I was being clever when I came up with the title "King of the Clay," it turns out there is someone who is truly known as the King of the Clay--and that person is Rafael Nadal. Rafael Nadal is known as the "King of the Clay" because he has won 14 French Open men's singles championships. The closest person to this lead is Björn Borg with six titles (quite a difference). For women, the woman who could be known as the"Queen of the Clay" is Chris Evert. She has won seven French Open women's singles championships. The most popular female tennis player of our time, Serena Williams, has three French Open singles titles. (Sources: one & two)
I don't know about you, but I had EXTREMELY limited knowledge of the French Open prior to writing this post. Whenever I did see it (mostly highlights), I never truly appreciated the perseverance and grace these athletes had to have for this Tennis Major. They make it look so easy! Nevertheless, it is clear that the French Open is no ordinary trial and certainly not a simple triumph.
The French Open can be complicated, but remember to KISS (Keep It Simple, Sister).
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."-Romans 12:12
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