Roland Garros 2020

The Roland Garros also known as the French Open, is a major tennis event held annually over the fortnight, starting in late May each year at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, France. It is the premier and only clay court tennis Grand Slam tournament in the world and the second of the four annual Grand Slam tournaments. The tournament features men’s and women’s singles; men’s, women’s and mixed doubles and junior’s championships including wheelchair, legends and exhibition events.

Roland Garros History

Known as Championnats Internationaux de France de tennis and Tournoi de Roland-Garros in French (English for the "French International Championships of Tennis" or "Roland Garros Tournament" in short), began in 1891. It was then known as Championnat de France (French Championships) and was only open to tennis players who were members of French clubs. The first winner was H. Briggs, who was natively a Briton but was a Paris resident. In 1897, the first women's singles tournament was held, with only four entries. The mixed doubles event was added in 1902 and the women's doubles in 1907. 

The French Championships became open to all amateurs internationally in 1925, and was recognized worldwide as a major tennis championship. It was then held at the Stade Français in Saint-Cloud in 1925 and 1927, on clay courts, while in 1926, the event was hosted in Paris by the Racing Club de France which was the site of the previous French club members only tournament, also on clay.

The new Stade de Roland Garros which was later renamed Court Philippe Chatrier in 1988 hosted the Davis Cup challenge of 1927. In 1928, the French Internationals were moved there, and the event has been held there ever since. During World War II, the tournament was held from 1941 through 1945 on the same grounds. In 1946 and 1947, the French Championships were held after Wimbledon, making it the third Grand Slam event of the year. In 1968, the French Championships became the first Grand Slam tournament to go open, allowing both amateurs and professionals to compete. 

Roland Garros 2020 Dates and Venue

The French Open 2020 is scheduled from 21 September to 11 October, at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris and it is the 124th edition of the Roland Garros Grand Slam. Roland Garros is the last Grand Slam event of 2020. 

It is also the only Grand Slam to retain the advantage set in the final sets, as the Australian Open and Wimbledon have switched to tiebreaks.

Roland Garros 2020 Prize Money

Roland Garros 2020 Points Distribution

Roland Garros 2020 Seeds

Men’s Singles

Women’s Singles

Favourites

In men’s singles, it’s true that Nadal and Djokovic will be the absolute favorites. Rafael Nadal with 12 French Open titles, and being currently trophyless on clay, will aim for the record 13th title but he’s never won one without capturing at least one clay court tournament in advance. And Djokovic after a saddening US Open incident, will definitely look to bounce back, keeping the past behind and be on guard while on cout. Young guns like Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev will also be strong contenders and not far behind. 

With defending champion Ashleigh Barty’s absence and US Open winner Naomi Osaka out with an injury, first seeded Simona Halep is the favourite with Serena Williams following closely. Marketa Vondrousova enjoyed a good run to the Italian Open semis and will hope to continue it at Roland Garros.Last year’s semi-finalist Briton Johanna Konta would need a favourable draw to go deeper after being beaten in Rome by Garbine Muguruza at the Italian Open. While US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka along with the likes of Karolina Pliskova and Kiki Bertens will also be strong contenders for the title. 

Check out:

French Open 2020 Schedule

French Open 2020 Results

French Open Winners