French Open History
The French Open Went from Humble Beginnings to Be One of the Bigesst Tennis Tournaments in the World
Beginning
The French Open started out as a national tournament held in France for solely members on French clubs. The first mens tournament was held in 1891. In 1897, women were invited to a tournament parallel to the mens championship.
Another French tennis tournament, the World Hard Court Championships, was a precursor to the French Open. Held between 1912 and 1923, this tournament included marquee tennis stars, including the #1 ranked player in the world, Tony Wilding.
Evolution
The French Championships were opened to international players in 1925. When the Davis Cup was won by the French in 1927, the French decided they wanted to defend the title on their soil. The French government gave up three hectares of land for a new tennis stadium, on the condition that the stadium be named after World War I pilot Roland Garros. The Stade de Roland Garros (renamed Court Philippe Chatrier in 1988), would eventually become home to today's French Open.
Open Tournament
The French Open was the first major tournament to become open to amateurs in 1968. This gave amateurs that had yet to prove themselves against pros to have a chance to upset the favorites.
New Awards
Since 1981, the French Open has begun adding awards for more esoteric characteristics. The Prix Orange is awarded to the player showing the best cooperation with the press and the best sportsmanship. Awarded for the "tennis revelation of the year," the French Open's Prix Bourgeon rewards the player showing the most surprising abundance of talent.
Recent History
The French Open finally began offering equal prize money to men and women in 2007. In 2010, a possible change of venue for the French Open was announced as part of the tournament's ongoing rejuvenation efforts.
Source: Wikipedia: French Open
Published by Mike McQuillian
I am a freelance writer in Tempe, AZ. I have a B.A. in English literature from Arizona State University. I split my time between writing for web publications, reading, and watching movies View profile
Does the Social Construct of "Race" Impact Tennis TournamentsFrom amateur events to professional tournaments, tennis happenings provide reason for people of color to wonder whether "race" is playing a factor in on and off-court decisions.- Maria Sharapova Falls to Fellow Russian at the 2008 French OpenThe tall, beautiful Russian tennis player, Maria Sharapova, falls in a thrilling three set match to Dinara Safina, Marat Safin's sister at the French Open Roland Garros
- A Guide to Cincinnati's Elite US Open Series Men's Tennis TournamentCincinnati once again will host an elite US Open Series tennis tournament when the top men in the world compete in the Western and Southern Financial Group Masters from August 10 to 19, 2007.
- Clay Court Tennis: The Unmatchable QualityWith the European Clay Court Season under way, it is time to enjoy the best tennis played year round.
Roger Federer Better Win the French Open with Nadal OutWith Rafael Nadal out of the French Open field, the path is clear for Roger Federer to win his first title at Roland Garros. He must take advantage and win the French Open.
- Roger Federer Has Finally Won the Elusive French Open
- 2009 Sony Ericsson Open: Top Professional Tennis Tournament in Key Biscayne
- Top 5 French Open Women's Title Matches
- Thrice is Nice: Nadal Wins French Open
- Top 5 French Open Men's Title Matches
- The French Open Tennis Matches Begin at Roland Garros on May 23, 2010
- The French Open Tennis Matches at Roland Garros - Day 7
- ESPN French Open coverage
- French Open history from A to Z.
- The French Open started as a tournament for French club members only.
- The French Open began giving equal prize money to men and women in 2007.