The French Open Grand Slam tennis tournament is played on which surface?

The French Open, officially known as Roland-Garros, is played on red clay courts at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. It is the only Grand Slam tournament played on clay.

Key facts about the French Open:

It was first held in 1891, but only for members of French clubs. It became open to international players in 1925.

It is held over two weeks in late May and early June.

The stadium is named after Roland Garros, a French aviator who was the first to fly across the Mediterranean Sea (1913) and who died in World War I.

The courts are made of crushed red brick over layers of limestone, which gives them their colour.

Clay is a slow surface; the ball bounces high and slowly, so long rallies are common, and players who rely on powerful serves have less advantage.

The men's singles trophy is the Coupe des Mousquetaires, and the women's singles trophy is the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen.

The main court is Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Records:

• Rafael Nadal of Spain won the men's singles title a record 14 times (2005-2022), earning him the title "King of Clay".
• Chris Evert won the women's singles title a record 7 times.

Indians at the French Open:

• Mahesh Bhupathi won India's first Grand Slam title at the 1997 French Open (mixed doubles, with Rika Hiraki).
• Paes and Bhupathi won the men's doubles in 1999 and 2001.
• Rohan Bopanna won the mixed doubles in 2017.

Surfaces of the four Grand Slams:

• Australian Open (Melbourne): hard court (since 1988; earlier grass).
• French Open (Paris): clay.
• Wimbledon (London): grass.
• US Open (New York): hard court (since 1978; grass until 1974 and clay from 1975 to 1977).

Why not the other options?

• ✗Grass courts are used at Wimbledon.
• ✗Hard courts are used at the Australian Open and the US Open.
• ✗Carpet courts are not used at any Grand Slam.