French Open Fun Facts
o The French Open is officially known as Roland Garros.
o Roland Garros is named after its stadium, which is in turn named
after the World War I French pilot.
o The aviator, Roland Garros is known as the world's first fighter
ace, the first real fighter pilot.
o The French Open began as a national tournament in 1891. In 1925,
the tournament opened itself to international competitors with the
event held on a grass surface.
o Red clay was installed when the new stadium was built.
o As of 2006, the last six French Open men's singles championships
were won by men who did not win any other Grand Slam
tournament.
o In 1968, the French Championships became the first Grand Slam
tournament to go "open", allowing both amateurs and professionals
to compete.
o Bjorn Borg has the most singles titles at the French, with 6.
Chris Evert holds the record for the women, with 7.
o Michael Chang is the youngest singles champion. He was 17 years 3
months in 1989 when he beat Stefan Edberg 6-1, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
The youngest women was Christine Truman at age 18 139 days.
