What is French Open?
The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. Ift is for both men and women. The tournament is held over two weeks in late May every year at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris. The stadium is named after the French aviator Roland Garros. The French Open is the premier clay court tennis championship tournament. It is also the second Grand Slam of the annual four slams.
The French Open is currently the only clay court Grand Slam tournament and it is also the conclusion of the spring clay court season. It was the only non-grass tournament until 1975. The event is considered to be the most physically demanding tennis tournament in the world.
The Open began in 1891 in France and was only open to French club members. It was called the Championnat de France or French Championships in English. The first winner was H Briggs who was a British residing in Paris. In 1925, the tournament became open to international players and it was designated as a major championship.
Prize Money
The Prize money purse for the 2018 edition was increased to €39,197,000 which is equal to Rs 3,40,80,69,436.42 at current value. Players get the points and money according to the rounds they make. Men and women receive different points according to the rules of their respective tournaments.
Rafael Nadal
Spanish player Rafael Nadal is the most successful player in the French Open tournament. Nadal is considered as the King of Clay courts. He has won a record thirteen French titles. He won four consecutive titles from 2005-2008 and then recorded 5 titles from 2010-2014. In the last French Open held in 2020, Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic to win his thirteenth title.