Welcome to the legendary world of Roland Garros, a tournament that has been around for over a century. It is a crucial part of the Grand Slam series of professional tennis, but the origin of its name may surprise you.
We’re here to tell you why the renowned French Open is called Roland Garros and why it has remained a prestigious source of pride in the world of professional tennis. With an average of 500,000 visitors each year and more than $20 million in prize money, it’s no wonder why this tournament is revered by so many. So let’s dive into the storied history of one of the world’s most well-known tournaments to better understand how it came to be and why it has been a source of inspiration for so many.
Why is French Open Called Roland Garros?
The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world.This prestigious tournament has an illustrious history full of fascinating facts and stories. One of the most curious features is its official name: Roland Garros. This article will explore why the tournament is called Roland Garros, as well as some of the other features that truly set it apart from other tennis tournaments.
History of the French Open
The French Open, or “Roland Garros”, was first established in 1891 as a regional tennis tournament. By 1925, it had been restructured as an international tournament and was designated a Grand Slam event. It is the only one of the four Grand Slam championships to be played on clay.In 1968, the tournament underwent a rebranding and was officially named the Open de France – Roland Garros.
Who Was Roland Garros?
Roland Garros is the namesake of the tournament and was an aviation pioneer. Roland Garros was born in 1888 in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris.
He was an automobile racer, a fighter pilot and an international tennis champion. He entered the world of aviation in 1908 and eventually became the first person to fly across the Mediterranean Sea. During World War I, Garros was a flying ace who shot down five enemy aircraft, earning him the Legion d’Honneur.
Sadly, he was killed in action in 191