5 oldest French Open men's singles champions in the Open Era

#1 Andres Gimeno

Andres Gimeno at the 1968 Wimbledon Championships

Spain has had many athletes win the French Open over the years - more than any other Grand Slam, in fact. One such champion was Andres Gimeno.

Gimeno won 41 singles titles in his 14-year career, which lasted from 1960 to 1974. Prior to his French Open triumph, his biggest achievement was a win against Rod Laver in a marathon five-set final of the World Championship Tennis Event in 1966.

As he decided to participate in the World Championship Tennis Circuit by turning professional, he was barred from competing in Grand Slams until 1968. In 1969, he made the final of the Australian Open but lost to home favorite and top seed Rod Laver in three sets.

Gimeno's best year was 1972, when he won titles in Brussels, Los Angeles and Eastbourne. His career highlight came at the French Open that year.

Gimeno started the tournament as the 6th seed. In the quarterfinal, he faced 3rd seed Stan Smith and beat him comfortably in 4 sets. After beating 10th seed Alex Metreveli in the semi-final, Gimeno booked a place in the final - only the second Grand Slam final of his career.

In the final, he beat local hero and 9th seed Patrick Proisy in 4 sets. Gimeno is the oldest ever male athlete to win the French Open at 34 years, 306 days.