The French Open — globally recognized as Roland-Garros — stands alone among tennis’ Grand Slam tournaments. Played on clay, the sport’s oldest and noblest surface, it has become a symbol of endurance, elegance, and transformation. Organised by the French Tennis Federation, the tournament offers a total prize fund of €24,961,000 — but its true value lies in history.
First held in 1891 as the French Championship, the tournament was renamed Roland-Garros in 1925 in honor of the pioneering aviator Eugène Adrien Roland Garros. It became the first Grand Slam to enter the Open Era in 1968, opening its doors to both professionals and amateurs.
The legends who have conquered its clay courts include Björn Borg, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander, Gustavo Kuerten, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and — above all — Rafael Nadal, whose name is now inseparable from this event.
Each year from late May to early June, the eyes of the tennis world turn to Paris, to the leafy outskirts of the Bois de Boulogne. Here stands the Stade Roland-Garros — home to 20 courts, including three icons: Court Philippe-Chatrier, Court Suzanne-Lenglen, and Court Simonne-Mathieu. These arenas have hosted moments that define tennis history.
No figure looms larger than Rafael Nadal, holder of a record 14 singles titles — a feat unmatched across all Grand Slam tournaments. His dominance on clay remains a testament to skill and spirit.
Among the women, Chris Evert’s seven titles lead the legends, with Steffi Graf, Iga Świątek, and Justine Henin in close pursuit. The current champions — Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz — carry the tournament’s prestige into a new generation.
Roland-Garros is more than matches. The Tenniseum — recently reopened after two years of renovation — offers visitors a curated journey through tennis history. Nearby, statues of icons like Rafael Nadal, Suzanne Lenglen, and the "Four Musketeers" honor those who shaped the tournament's story — blending art, sport, and heritage.
Few brands are as entwined with Roland-Garros as Lacoste. Founded by René Lacoste — one of the famed Four Musketeers — the brand's legacy is stitched into the tournament’s fabric. Today, Lacoste’s partnership with the French Tennis Federation includes outfitting ball kids and referees, as well as crafting co-branded collections reflecting the spirit of Roland-Garros: refinement, performance, and enduring style.
Roland-Garros remains more than a championship. It is a living expression of history, design, and competitive artistry — as relevant to culture as it is to sport.
