We’re betting our bottom dollar that you don’t know all of this French Open trivia.
Whether you’re completely new to the world of tennis or you’re already a massive fan, there are little nuggets of gold in here for you.
So listen up and get a load of these French Open trivia tidbits.
French Open trivia
The first French Open took place in 1891
Well, at least, it sort of did. Originally it was called the Championnat de France. In English, that translates as the French Championships.
It was originally a French-only affair
Nowadays you’ll see international stars at the French Open. But as this tidbit of French Open trivia reveals, originally it was only open to players from French Clubs.
Women started swinging in 1897
Just six years after the first event, women took to the court for the first time at this event.
But some argue that the real predecessor started in 1912
There’s another natural ancestor for the French Open and that’s the World Hard Court Championships. This international competition was on clay courts, much like the French Open we know and love toda
It was originally a French-only affair
Nowadays you’ll see international stars at the French Open. But as this tidbit of French Open trivia reveals, originally it was only open to players from French Clubs.
Women started swinging in 1897
Just six years after the first event, women took to the court for the first time at this event.
In the swinging 60s, the French Open becomes a Grand Slam event
The French Open ushered in the era of Grand Slam tennis. In fact, it was the first ever Grand Slam and was held in 1968.
It’s the second annual Grand Slam
The other Grand Slam events are the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.
You’ll also hear it called the Internationaux de France de Tennis and the Roland-Garros
So if you hear talk about those events, you know they’re chatting about the French Open.
The Roland Garros stadium is the home of the French Open
The Roland Garros Stadium in Paris is where the French Open is held every year. That’s why the name is often used interchangeably to describe the Open.
Roland Garros was a WWI war hero
As well as being a World War One hero, Roland Garros was a pioneer in the field of aviation. He was tragically killed just before his 30th birthday in 1918. When France constructed its major tennis centre a decade later, they called it after him.
The French Open takes place at the end of May
Starting at the end of May every year, the French Open takes the world of tennis by storm. For 2023, the French Open starts from 28 May.
And you can already bet on it
If you’re that way inclined, you can place a bet on the French Open at bet365. Just remember that if you’re a new player, you can use this bet365 bonus code when you sign up.
