The Story Behind Roland Garros

Exploring the origins of the tournament and its namesake.

Opened in 1928, Roland Garros was created to honor France’s tennis achievements, especially after the country’s Davis Cup victory the previous year. Emile Lesueur, then president of Stade Français, proposed naming the venue after his brave former classmate, Roland Garros, who died in World War I in 1918. His request was granted, and the stadium has since been recognized as Roland Garros. In French, places named after individuals are typically hyphenated, explaining the unique spelling. Interestingly, despite this association, Garros had little tennis experience and primarily played rugby and football as a youth.

At 21, Garros became passionate about aviation, achieving what is believed to be the first flight across the Mediterranean in 1913. His fascination with aircraft led him to innovate ways to equip planes with machine guns during World War I. Initially successful as a fighter pilot, he was captured in 1915. After three years in captivity, he escaped and returned to combat, embodying his motto, “Victory belongs to the most persevering,” which he inscribed on his planes' propellers.

Tragically, Garros died in battle on October 5, 1918, just weeks before the war ended, leaving behind a legacy of courage and innovation. His contributions to aviation have made him a national hero in France, inspiring future generations. In addition to the French Open, an airport on the French island of Réunion is also named in his honor, solidifying his impact on both aviation and sports history.

In tennis, Rafael Nadal holds the record for the most French Open titles with 14 championships, five of which were consecutive from 2010 to 2014. Nadal's dominance on clay has established him as a legendary figure. On the women's side, Chris Evert has won the tournament seven times, making her the most successful player in its history. These achievements underscore the ongoing significance of Roland Garros as a premier tennis event, celebrating both the sport's rich past and its bright future.