Tracing the roots of the French Championship back to 1891, today’s opening rounds of the French Open mark the 118th year of it existence. The French Open has called Roland-Garos home since 1928 when it was constructed for the fabled French Musketeers of tennis, Jacques “Toto” Brugnon, Jean Borotra, Henri Cochet, and René Lacoste. The iconic red clay has been pounded by the feet of the games best competitors. From Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors who never won the French Open to Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Justin Henin, and Chris Evert who ruled the clay, this second leg in the four tournament slam events is an unforgiving legend maker.
This year’s French Open at Roland Garos began today, May 24th and runs through June 7th. Returning on the men’s singles side are the familiar faces of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Llyeton Hewitt, Andy Murray, Marat Safin, Novak Djokovic, Gilles Simon, and Andy Roddick. 
The women’s singles are equally well represented with Ana Ivanovic, Dinara Safina, Venus Williams, Amelie Mauresmo, Jelena Jankovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Serena Williams. While the men’s side has tremendous international diversity, the women’s draw, with a few notable exceptions, is once again dominated by the very strong Russian players. For complete draws in every category, you can click HERE.
As has become customary with this excellent tournament, television news outlets will broadcast virtually every match to all corners of the world. Click HERE to see where you can tune in based on your location worldwide. You can also get this blogger’s daily take on some of the biggest matchups right here on Athletic Alley.
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