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(more) # French Open tennis Homework Help Also known as: Championnats Internationaux de France de Tennis, French Championships, French Open Championship[(Show More)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) Written and fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 21, 2026 •[History](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open/additional-info#history)  Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything Top Questions ### Why is the French Open called Roland Garros? The French Open is often called Roland Garros, a reference to the venue where it is held, the Stade Roland-Garros. Roland Garros was a French pilot who was a hero during [World War I](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-I). ### How much do the winners of the French Open get? At the 2025 French Open, the total prize money is more than €56.352 million (about \$63 million). Below are the winnings for the men’s and women’s singles tournament. (The dollar amount is approximate due to fluctuating exchange rates.) - **Champion:** €2.55 million (\$2.8 million) - **Runner-up:** €1.275 million (\$1.4 million) - **Semifinalist:** €690,000 (\$775,000) - **Quarterfinalist:** €440,000 (\$494,000) - **Fourth Round:** €265,000 (\$298,000) - **Third Round:** €168,000 (\$189,000) - **Second Round:** €117,000 (\$131,000) - **First Round:** €78,000 (\$88,000) ### Who has won the most French Open singles titles? [Rafael Nadal](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal) of Spain holds the French Open record for most men’s singles titles (14), and [Chris Evert](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chris-Evert) of the United States has won the most women’s singles championships (7). **French Open**, international [tennis](https://www.britannica.com/sports/tennis) tournament, the second of the major events that make up the annual Grand Slam of tennis (the other tournaments are the [Australian Open](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Australian-Open), the [Wimbledon Championships](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Wimbledon-Championships), and the [U.S. Open](https://www.britannica.com/sports/US-Open-tennis)). The event is often called Roland Garros, a reference to the [venue](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venue) where it is held, Stade Roland-Garros, in [Paris](https://www.britannica.com/place/Paris). The French Open is played on [clay](https://www.britannica.com/science/clay-geology) courts, which is a slower surface, creating longer rallies and testing a player’s endurance. [Rafael Nadal](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal) of [Spain](https://www.britannica.com/place/Spain) holds the record for men’s singles titles (14), and [Chris Evert](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chris-Evert) of the [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States) has won the most women’s singles championships (7). In 1891 the first French national championships were held in the Stade Français, as a men’s interclub competition. In 1897 women’s singles matches were added to tournament play. Women’s doubles matches were added in 1925, the same year that the championships were opened to non-French players. In 1968 the tournament was opened to professional as well as [amateur](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/amateur) players, as were a number of the most established championships. Play moved in 1928 to the Stade Roland-Garros, which contains clay courts. The French Open is generally held in late May–early June. ## French Open singles champions Winners of the French Open singles championship are provided in the table. Byname of: French Championships *(Show more)* French in full: Championnats Internationaux de France de Tennis (“France’s International Championships of Tennis”) *(Show more)* Related Topics: [tennis](https://www.britannica.com/sports/tennis) *(Show more)* Notable Honorees: [Novak Djokovic](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Novak-Djokovic) [Rafael Nadal](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal) [Iga Świątek](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Iga-Swiatek) [Serena Williams](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Serena-Williams) *(Show more)* [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/French-Open) [ Britannica Quiz Great Moments in Sports Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/great-moments-in-sports-quiz) | year | men | women | |---|---|---| | \*In 1925 opened to non-French participants. | | | | 1891 | J. Briggs | | | 1892 | J. Schopfer | | | 1893 | L. Riboulet | | | 1894 | André Vacherot | | | 1895 | André Vacherot | | | 1896 | André Vacherot | | | 1897 | Paul Aymé | F. Masson | | 1898 | Paul Aymé | F. Masson | | 1899 | Paul Aymé | F. Masson | | 1900 | Paul Aymé | Y. Prévost | | 1901 | André Vacherot | P. Girod | | 1902 | André Vacherot | C. Masson | | 1903 | Max Decugis | F. Masson | | 1904 | Max Decugis | Kate Gillou | | 1905 | Maurice Germot | Kate Gillou | | 1906 | Maurice Germot | Kate Gillou-Fenwick | | 1907 | Max Decugis | Comtesse de Kermel | | 1908 | Max Decugis | Kate Gillou-Fenwick | | 1909 | Max Decugis | Jeanne Mattey | | 1910 | Maurice Germot | Jeanne Mattey | | 1911 | André Gobert | Jeanne Mattey | | 1912 | Max Decugis | Jeanne Mattey | | 1913 | Max Decugis | Marguerite Broquedis | | 1914 | Max Decugis | Marguerite Broquedis | | 1915–19 | *not held* | | | 1920 | André Gobert | Suzanne Lenglen | | 1921 | Jean Samazeuilh | Suzanne Lenglen | | 1922 | Henri Cochet | Suzanne Lenglen | | 1923 | François Blanchy | Suzanne Lenglen | | 1924 | Jean Borotra | Diddie Vlasto | | 1925\* | René Lacoste (France) | Suzanne Lenglen (France) | | 1926 | Henri Cochet (France) | Suzanne Lenglen (France) | | 1927 | René Lacoste (France) | Kornelia Bouman (Neth.) | | 1928 | Henri Cochet (France) | Helen Wills (U.S.) | | 1929 | René Lacoste (France) | Helen Wills (U.S.) | | 1930 | Henri Cochet (France) | Helen Wills Moody (U.S.) | | 1931 | Jean Borotra (France) | Cilly Aussem (Ger.) | | 1932 | Henri Cochet (France) | Helen Wills Moody (U.S.) | | 1933 | John Crawford (Austl.) | Margaret Scriven (U.K.) | | 1934 | Gottfried von Cramm (Ger.) | Margaret Scriven (U.K.) | | 1935 | Fred Perry (U.K.) | Hilde Sperling (Den.) | | 1936 | Gottfried von Cramm (Ger.) | Hilde Sperling (Den.) | | 1937 | Henner Henkel (Ger.) | Hilde Sperling (Den.) | | 1938 | Donald Budge (U.S.) | Simone Mathieu (France) | | 1939 | William McNeill (U.S.) | Simone Mathieu (France) | | 1940–45 | *not held* | | | 1946 | Marcel Bernard (France) | Margaret Osborne (U.S.) | | 1947 | Jozsef Asboth (Hung.) | Patricia Todd (U.S.) | | 1948 | Frank Parker (U.S.) | Nelly Landry (Belg.) | | 1949 | Frank Parker (U.S.) | M. Osborne duPont (U.S.) | | 1950 | Budge Patty (U.S.) | Doris Hart (U.S.) | | 1951 | Jaroslav Drobny (Czech.) | Shirley Fry (U.S.) | | 1952 | Jaroslav Drobny (Czech.) | Doris Hart (U.S.) | | 1953 | Ken Rosewall (Austl.) | Maureen Connolly (U.S.) | | 1954 | Tony Trabert (U.S.) | Maureen Connolly (U.S.) | | 1955 | Tony Trabert (U.S.) | Angela Mortimer (U.K.) | | 1956 | Lew Hoad (Austl.) | Althea Gibson (U.S.) | | 1957 | Sven Davidson (Swed.) | Shirley Bloomer (U.K.) | | 1958 | Mervyn Rose (Austl.) | Zsuzsi Kormoczi (Hung.) | | 1959 | Nicola Pietrangeli (Italy) | Christine Truman (U.K.) | | 1960 | Nicola Pietrangeli (Italy) | Darlene Hard (U.S.) | | 1961 | Manuel Santana (Spain) | Ann Haydon (U.K.) | | 1962 | Rod Laver (Austl.) | Margaret Smith (Austl.) | | 1963 | Roy Emerson (Austl.) | Lesley Turner (Austl.) | | 1964 | Manuel Santana (Spain) | Margaret Smith (Austl.) | | 1965 | Fred Stolle (Austl.) | Lesley Turner (Austl.) | | 1966 | Tony Roche (Austl.) | Ann Haydon Jones (U.K.) | | 1967 | Roy Emerson (Austl.) | Françoise Durr (France) | | 1968 | Ken Rosewall (Austl.) | Nancy Richey (U.S.) | | 1969 | Rod Laver (Austl.) | Margaret Smith-Court (Austl.) | | 1970 | Jan Kodes (Czech.) | Margaret Smith-Court (Austl.) | | 1971 | Jan Kodes (Czech.) | Evonne Goolagong (Austl.) | | 1972 | Andres Gimeno (Spain) | Billie Jean King (U.S.) | | 1973 | Ilie Nastase (Rom.) | Margaret Smith-Court (Austl.) | | 1974 | Björn Borg (Swed.) | Chris Evert (U.S.) | | 1975 | Björn Borg (Swed.) | Chris Evert (U.S.) | | 1976 | Adriano Panatta (Italy) | Sue Barker (U.K.) | | 1977 | Guillermo Vilas (Arg.) | Mima Jausovec (Yugos.) | | 1978 | Björn Borg (Swed.) | Virginia Ruzici (Rom.) | | 1979 | Björn Borg (Swed.) | Chris Evert-Lloyd (U.S.) | | 1980 | Björn Borg (Swed.) | Chris Evert-Lloyd (U.S.) | | 1981 | Björn Borg (Swed.) | Hana Mandlikova (Czech.) | | 1982 | Mats Wilander (Swed.) | Martina Navratilova (U.S.) | | 1983 | Yannick Noah (France) | Chris Evert-Lloyd (U.S.) | | 1984 | Ivan Lendl (Czech.) | Martina Navratilova (U.S.) | | 1985 | Mats Wilander (Swed.) | Chris Evert-Lloyd (U.S.) | | 1986 | Ivan Lendl (Czech.) | Chris Evert-Lloyd (U.S.) | | 1987 | Ivan Lendl (Czech.) | Steffi Graf (W.Ger.) | | 1988 | Mats Wilander (Swed.) | Steffi Graf (W.Ger.) | | 1989 | Michael Chang (U.S.) | Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (Spain) | | 1990 | Andres Gomez (Ecua.) | Monica Seles (Yugos.) | | 1991 | Jim Courier (U.S.) | Monica Seles (Yugos.) | | 1992 | Jim Courier (U.S.) | Monica Seles (Yugos.) | | 1993 | Sergi Bruguera (Spain) | Steffi Graf (Ger.) | | 1994 | Sergi Bruguera (Spain) | Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (Spain) | | 1995 | Thomas Muster (Austria) | Steffi Graf (Ger.) | | 1996 | Yevgeny Kafelnikov (Russia) | Steffi Graf (Ger.) | | 1997 | Gustavo Kuerten (Braz.) | Iva Majoli (Cro.) | | 1998 | Carlos Moya (Spain) | Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (Spain) | | 1999 | Andre Agassi (U.S.) | Steffi Graf (Ger.) | | 2000 | Gustavo Kuerten (Braz.) | Mary Pierce (France) | | 2001 | Gustavo Kuerten (Braz.) | Jennifer Capriati (U.S.) | | 2002 | Albert Costa (Spain) | Serena Williams (U.S.) | | 2003 | Juan Carlos Ferrero (Spain) | Justine Hénin-Hardenne (Belg.) | | 2004 | Gaston Gaudio (Arg.) | Anastasia Myskina (Russia) | | 2005 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Justine Hénin-Hardenne (Belg.) | | 2006 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Justine Hénin-Hardenne (Belg.) | | 2007 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Justine Hénin-Hardenne (Belg.) | | 2008 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Ana Ivanovic (Serb.) | | 2009 | Roger Federer (Switz.) | Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) | | 2010 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | F. Schiavone (Italy) | | 2011 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Na Li (China) | | 2012 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Maria Sharapova (Russia) | | 2013 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Serena Williams (U.S.) | | 2014 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Maria Sharapova (Russia) | | 2015 | Stan Wawrinka (Switz.) | Serena Williams (U.S.) | | 2016 | Novak Djokovic (Serbia) | Garbiñe Muguruza (Spain) | | 2017 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia) | | 2018 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Simona Halep (Rom.) | | 2019 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Ashleigh Barty (Austl.) | | 2020 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Iga Świątek (Pol.) | | 2021 | Novak Djokovic (Serbia) | Barbora Krejčíková (Czech.) | | 2022 | Rafael Nadal (Spain) | Iga Świątek (Pol.) | | 2023 | Novak Djokovic (Serbia) | Iga Świątek (Pol.) | | 2024 | Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) | Iga Świątek (Pol.) | | 2025 | Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) | Coco Gauff (U.S.) | ## French Open doubles champions Winners of the French Open doubles championship are provided in the table. | year | men | women | |---|---|---| | 1891 | B. Desjoyau, T. Legrand | | | 1892 | D. Albertini, J. Havet | | | 1893 | J. Schopfer, F. Goldsmith | | | 1894 | L. Brosselin, J. Lesage | | | 1895 | André Vacherot, G. Winzer | | | 1896 | F. Warden, J. Wynn | | | 1897 | Paul Aymé, P. Lebreton | | | 1898 | M. Vacherot, X. Casdagli | | | 1899 | Paul Aymé, P. Lebreton | | | 1900 | Paul Aymé, P. Lebreton | | | 1901 | André Vacherot, M. Vacherot | | | 1902 | Max Decugis, J. Worth | | | 1903 | Max Decugis, J. Worth | | | 1904 | Max Decugis, Maurice Germot | | | 1905 | Max Decugis, J. Worth | | | 1906 | Max Decugis, Maurice Germot | | | 1907 | Max Decugis, Maurice Germot | | | 1908 | Max Decugis, Maurice Germot | | | 1910 | Max Decugis, Maurice Germot | | | 1911 | Max Decugis, Maurice Germot | | | 1912 | Max Decugis, Maurice Germot | | | 1913 | Max Decugis, Maurice Germot | | | 1914 | Max Decugis, Maurice Germot | | | 1915–19 | *not held* | | | 1920 | Max Decugis, Maurice Germot | | | 1921 | André Gobert, William Laurentz | | | 1922 | Jacques Brugnon, Marcel Dupont | | | 1923 | François Blanchy, Jean Samazeuilh | | | 1924 | Jean Borotra, René Lacoste | | | 1925 | Jean Borotra, René Lacoste | Suzanne Lenglen, Diddie Vlasto | | 1926 | Vinnie Richards, Howard Kinsey | Suzanne Lenglen, Diddie Vlasto | | 1927 | Henri Cochet, Jacques Brugnon | Irene Peacock, Bobbie Heine | | 1928 | Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon | Phoebe Watson, Eileen Bennett | | 1929 | Jean Borotra, René Lacoste | Lili de Alvarez, Kornelia Bouman | | 1930 | Henri Cochet, Jacques Brugnon | Helen Wills Moody, Elizabeth Ryan | | 1931 | George Lott, John Van Ryn | Eileen Whittingstall, Betty Nuthall | | 1932 | Henri Cochet, Jacques Brugnon | Helen Wills Moody, Elizabeth Ryan | | 1933 | Pat Hughes, Fred Perry | Simone Mathieu, Elizabeth Ryan | | 1934 | Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon | Simone Mathieu, Elizabeth Ryan | | 1935 | Jack Crawford, Adrian Quist | Margaret Scriven, Kay Stammers | | 1936 | Jean Borotra, Marcel Bernard | Simone Mathieu, Billie Yorke | | 1937 | Gottfried von Cramm, Henner Henkel | Simone Mathieu, Billie Yorke | | 1938 | Benard Destremau, Yvon Petra | Simone Mathieu, Billie Yorke | | 1939 | Don McNeill, Charles Harris | Simone Mathieu, Jadwiga Jedrzejowska | | 1940–45 | *not held* | | | 1946 | Marcel Bernard, Yvon Petra | Louise Brough, Margaret Osborne | | 1947 | Eustace Fannin, Eric Sturgess | Louise Brough, Margaret Osborne | | 1948 | Lennart Bergelin, Jaroslav Drobny | Doris Hart, Patricia Todd | | 1949 | Frank Parker, Pancho Gonzales | Louise Brough, Margaret Osborne duPont | | 1950 | Bill Talbert, Tony Trabert | Doris Hart, Shirley Fry | | 1951 | Ken McGregor, Frank Sedgman | Doris Hart, Shirley Fry | | 1952 | Ken McGregor, Frank Sedgman | Doris Hart, Shirley Fry | | 1953 | Lew Hoad, Ken Rosewall | Doris Hart, Shirley Fry | | 1954 | Vic Seixas, Tony Trabert | Maureen Connolly, Nell Hopman | | 1955 | Vic Seixas, Tony Trabert | Beverly Fleitz, Darlene Hard | | 1956 | Don Candy, Robert Perry | Angela Buxton, Althea Gibson | | 1957 | Mal Anderson, Ashley Cooper | Shirley Bloomer, Darlene Hard | | 1958 | Ashley Cooper, Neale Fraser | Rosie Reyes, Yola Ramirez | | 1959 | Nicola Pietrangeli, Orlando Sirola | Sandra Reynolds, Renee Schuurman | | 1960 | Roy Emerson, Neale Fraser | Maria Bueno, Darlene Hard | | 1961 | Roy Emerson, Rod Laver | Sandra Reynolds, Renee Schuurman | | 1962 | Roy Emerson, Neale Fraser | Sandra Reynolds Price, Renee Schuurman | | 1963 | Roy Emerson, Manuel Santana | Ann Jones, Renee Schuurman | | 1964 | Roy Emerson, Ken Fletcher | Margaret Smith, Lesley Turner | | 1965 | Roy Emerson, Fred Stolle | Margaret Smith, Lesley Turner | | 1966 | Clarke Graebner, Dennis Ralston | Margaret Smith, Judy Tegart | | 1967 | John Newcombe, Tony Roche | Françoise Durr, Gail Sherriff | | 1968 | Ken Rosewall, Fred Stolle | Françoise Durr, Ann Jones | | 1969 | John Newcombe, Tony Roche | Françoise Durr, Ann Jones | | 1970 | Ile Nastase, Ion Tiriac | Françoise Durr, Gail Sherriff Chanfreau | | 1971 | Arthur Ashe, Marty Riessen | Françoise Durr, Gail Sherriff Chanfreau | | 1972 | Bob Hewitt, Frew McMillan | Billie Jean King, Betty Stove | | 1973 | John Newcombe, Tom Okker | Margaret Smith Court, Virginia Wade | | 1974 | Dick Crealy, Onny Parun | Chris Evert, Olga Morozova | | 1975 | Brian Gottfried, Raul Ramirez | Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova | | 1976 | Fred McNair, Sherwood Stewart | Fiorella Bonicelli, Gail Sherriff Chanfreau Lovera | | 1977 | Brian Gottfried, Raul Ramirez | Regina Marsikova, Pam Teeguarden | | 1978 | Hank Pfister, Gene Mayer | Mima Jausovec, Virginia Ruzici | | 1979 | Sandy Mayer, Gene Mayer | Betty Stove, Wendy Turnbull | | 1980 | Victor Amaya, Hank Pfister | Kathy Jordan, Anne Smith | | 1981 | Heinz Günthardt, Balazs Taroczy | Rosalyn Fairbank, Tanya Harford | | 1982 | Sherwood Stewart, Ferdi Taygan | Martina Navratilova, Anne Smith | | 1983 | Anders Jarryd, Hans Simonsson | Rosalyn Fairbank, Candy Reynolds | | 1984 | Henri Leconte, Yannick Noah | Martina Navratilova, Pam Shriver | | 1985 | Mark Edmondson, Kim Warwick | Martina Navratilova, Pam Shriver | | 1986 | John Fitzgerald, Tomas Smid | Martina Navratilova, Andrea Temesvari | | 1987 | Robert Seguso, Anders Jarryd | Martina Navratilova, Pam Shriver | | 1988 | Emilio Sánchez, Andres Gomez | Martina Navratilova, Pam Shriver | | 1989 | Jim Grabb, Patrick McEnroe | Larisa Savchenko, Natasha Zvereva | | 1990 | Sergio Casal, Emilio Sánchez | Jana Novotna, Helena Sukova | | 1991 | John Fitzgerald, Anders Jarryd | Gigi Fernandez, Jana Novotna | | 1992 | Jakob Hlasek, Marc Rosset | Gigi Fernandez, Natasha Zvereva | | 1993 | Luke Jensen, Murphy Jensen | Gigi Fernandez, Natasha Zvereva | | 1994 | Byron Black, Jonathan Stark | Gigi Fernandez, Natasha Zvereva | | 1995 | Jacco Eltingh, Paul Haarhuis | Gigi Fernandez, Natasha Zvereva | | 1996 | Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Daniel Vacek | Lindsay Davenport, Mary Joe Fernandez | | 1997 | Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Daniel Vacek | Gigi Fernandez, Natasha Zvereva | | 1998 | Jacco Eltingh, Paul Haarhuis | Martina Hingis, Jana Novotna | | 1999 | Mahesh Bhupathi, Leander Paes | Serena Williams, Venus Williams | | 2000 | Mark Woodbridge, Todd Woodforde | Martina Hingis, Mary Pierce | | 2001 | Mahesh Bhupathi, Leander Paes | Virginia Ruano Pascual, Paola Suárez | | 2002 | Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Paul Haarhuis | Virginia Ruano Pascual, Paola Suárez | | 2003 | Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan | Kim Clijsters, Ai Sugiyama | | 2004 | Xavier Malisse, Olivier Rochus | Virginia Ruano Pascual, Paola Suárez | | 2005 | Jonas Björkman, Max Mirnyi | Virginia Ruano Pascual, Paola Suárez | | 2006 | Jonas Björkman, Max Mirnyi | Lisa Raymond, Samantha Stosur | | 2007 | Mark Knowles, Daniel Nestor | Alicia Molik, Mara Santangelo | | 2008 | Pablo Cuevas, Luis Horna | Anabel Medina Garrigues, Virginia Ruano Pascual | | 2009 | Lukas Dlouhy, Leander Paes | Anabel Medina Garrigues, Virginia Ruano Pascual | | 2010 | Daniel Nestor, Nenad Zimonjic | Serena Williams, Venus Williams | | 2011 | Max Mirnyi, Daniel Nestor | Andrea Hlavackova, Lucie Hradecka | | 2012 | Max Mirnyi, Daniel Nestor | Sara Errani, Roberta Vinci | | 2013 | Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan | Ekaterina Makarova, Elena Vesnina | | 2014 | Julien Benneteau, Edouard Roger-Vasselin | Su-Wei Hsieh, Shuai Peng | | 2015 | Ivan Dodig, Marcelo Melo | Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Lucie Safarova | | 2016 | Feliciano Lopez, Marc Lopez | Caroline Garcia, Kristina Mladenovic | | 2017 | Ryan Harrison, Michael Venus | Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Lucie Safarova | | 2018 | Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Nicolas Mahut | Barbora Krejcikova, Katerina Siniakova | | 2019 | Kevin Krawietz, Andreas Mies | Timea Babos, Kristina Mladenovic | | 2020 | Kevin Krawietz, Andreas Mies | Timea Babos, Kristina Mladenovic | | 2021 | Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Nicolas Mahut | Barbora Krejcikova, Katerina Siniakova | | 2022 | Marcelo Arévalo, Jean-Julien Rojer | Caroline Garcia, Kristina Mladenovic | | 2023 | Ivan Dodig, Austin Krajicek | Wang Xinyu, Hsieh Su-Wei | | 2024 | Marcelo Arévalo, Mate Pavic | Coco Gauff, Katerina Siniakova | | 2025 | Marcel Granollers, Horacio Zeballos | Sara Errani, Jasmine Paolini | [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419)This article was most recently revised and updated by [Will Gosner](https://www.britannica.com/editor/will-gosner/9852049). Britannica AI *chevron\_right* French Open *close* [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. [Rafael Nadal](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal) - [Introduction](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal) - [Early life](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal#ref384118) - [Professional career: 2001 to 2008](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal#ref384119) - [2009 to 2018: making history at the French Open](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal#ref384120) - [Later career: 22 Grand Slam titles and injuries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal#ref384121) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal/additional-info) [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Rafael-Nadal) [Images](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal/images-videos) [](https://cdn.britannica.com/33/226733-050-1F65CDDD/Rafael-Nadal-championship-trophy-US-Open-USTA-Billie-Jean-King-National-Tennis-Center-September-8-2019.jpg) [](https://cdn.britannica.com/38/196938-050-5178DD08/Rafael-Nadal-French-Open-2012.jpg) [](https://cdn.britannica.com/04/194504-050-E7C165CB/Rafael-Nadal-2010.jpg) [](https://cdn.britannica.com/01/196601-050-F698C5AA/Rafael-Nadal-US-Open-2017.jpg) At a Glance [](https://www.britannica.com/summary/Rafael-Nadal) [Rafael Nadal summary](https://www.britannica.com/summary/Rafael-Nadal) Quizzes [](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/great-moments-in-sports-quiz) [Great Moments in Sports Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/great-moments-in-sports-quiz) [](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/the-olympics-quiz) [The Olympics Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/the-olympics-quiz) [](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/sports-quiz) [Sports Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/sports-quiz) [](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/i-am-the-greatest-athlete) [I Am the Greatest (Athlete)](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/i-am-the-greatest-athlete) [](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/american-sports-nicknames) [American Sports Nicknames](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/american-sports-nicknames) Related Questions - [Is Arthur Ashe the only Black man to win Wimbledon?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Is-Arthur-Ashe-the-only-Black-man-to-win-Wimbledon) - [What was Arthur Ashe’s cause of death?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-was-Arthur-Ashes-cause-of-death) - [What happened to Jennifer Capriati, the tennis player?](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-happened-to-Jennifer-Capriati-the-tennis-player) - [Was Jannik Sinner accused of doping?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Was-Jannik-Sinner-accused-of-doping) - [Who is Carlos Alcaraz?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Who-is-Carlos-Alcaraz)  Ask Anything Quick Summary [Sports & Recreation](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Sports-Recreation) [Olympic Sports](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Olympic-Sports) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [](https://cdn.britannica.com/33/226733-050-1F65CDDD/Rafael-Nadal-championship-trophy-US-Open-USTA-Billie-Jean-King-National-Tennis-Center-September-8-2019.jpg) [Rafael Nadal](https://cdn.britannica.com/33/226733-050-1F65CDDD/Rafael-Nadal-championship-trophy-US-Open-USTA-Billie-Jean-King-National-Tennis-Center-September-8-2019.jpg) Tennis legend Rafael Nadal after winning the 2019 U.S. Open men's singles title. (more) # Rafael Nadal Spanish tennis player Homework Help Also known as: Rafa Nadal, Rafael Nadal Parera Written and fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors [History](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal/additional-info#history)  Britannica AI Ask Anything Quick Summary Table of Contents Table of Contents Quick Summary Ask Anything ## News • [Iga Świątek hires Francisco Roig, former coach of Rafael Nadal, to replace Wim Fissette](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7166202/2026/04/02/tennis-iga-swiatek-coach-roig-fissette/) • Apr. 2, 2026, 7:00 AM ET (New York Times) Show less Top Questions - What sport does Rafael Nadal play? - Which country is Rafael Nadal from? - Why is Rafael Nadal famous in the tennis world? - What are some of Rafael Nadal's major achievements? - How has Rafael Nadal influenced the sport of tennis? Show more Show less **Rafael Nadal** (born June 3, 1986, Manacor, Mallorca, Spain) is a Spanish [tennis](https://www.britannica.com/sports/tennis) player who emerged in the early 21st century as one of the game’s leading competitors, especially noted for his performance on clay. He won a record 14 career [French Open](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) championships and was the first player to win 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles. ## Early life Nadal grew up in a sports-minded family; his uncle Miguel Angel Nadal was a professional association [football (soccer)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/football-soccer) player who competed in the 2002 [World Cup](https://www.britannica.com/sports/World-Cup-football). Rafael began playing tennis at age four, guided by another uncle, Toni Nadal, who remained his coach on the professional tour. In his early years, Nadal (who wrote with his right hand) played left-handed tennis with both a two-handed forehand and backhand. When he was 12, however, his uncle encouraged him to adopt a more [conventional](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/conventional) left-handed style. Nadal stuck with his two-handed backhand but switched to what became his signature one-handed [forehand](https://www.britannica.com/sports/forehand), the stroke that was credited with lifting him into the sport’s upper echelons. ## Professional career: 2001 to 2008 Grand Slam singles titles - **Australian Open:** 2 (2009, 2022) - **French Open:** 14 (2005–08, 2010–14, 2017–20, 2022) - **Wimbledon:** 2 (2008, 2010) - **U.S. Open:** 4 (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019) Nadal, who officially turned professional in 2001, had appeared in only one Grand Slam tournament as a junior competitor when he reached the semifinals at the 2002 [Wimbledon Championships](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Wimbledon-Championships). He began his professional career in earnest the next year, breaking into the top 50 in the world. In 2004 he played a crucial role in [Spain’s](https://www.britannica.com/place/Spain) defeat of the [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States) in the [Davis Cup](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Davis-Cup) final. Toppling [Andy Roddick](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andy-Roddick)—then number two in the world—in a four-set opening-day singles clash, Nadal became the youngest player (at 18 years 6 months) in the history of the international team competition to win a singles match for a victorious country. [ Britannica Quiz Great Moments in Sports Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/great-moments-in-sports-quiz) Driving his forehand with a devastatingly potent heavy topspin and covering the court with [alacrity](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alacrity), Nadal quickly became one of the top players on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour. He also developed a rivalry with world number one [Roger Federer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Roger-Federer). In 2005 Nadal set a record for a teenage male player by registering 11 tournament victories, including a triumph at his French Open (Roland Garros) debut, when he upset Federer in the semifinals. The next year, Nadal secured five more titles on the ATP tour, including his second straight French Open win—this time besting Federer in the final. He also reached his first final on the grass at Wimbledon before falling to Federer. In 2007 Nadal extended his victories on clay surfaces to a record 81 consecutive matches before losing to Federer on May 20 in the final of the ATP Masters Series Hamburg (Germany). After bouncing back to win his third title at Roland Garros, Nadal lost to Federer in a grueling five-set Wimbledon final lasting 3 hours 45 minutes. The two met once again in the 2008 French Open final, where Nadal overpowered Federer to win his fourth straight tournament title, tying [Björn Borg](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bjorn-Borg)’s record for consecutive French Open wins. Nadal and Federer met in a third consecutive Wimbledon final in 2008. This time Nadal won his fifth career Grand Slam title—in a five-set match lasting 4 hours 48 minutes, then the longest men’s singles final in Wimbledon history—and thus became the first man since Borg (1980) to collect both the French Open and the Wimbledon title in the same year. In August 2008 Nadal won the men’s singles gold medal at the [Olympic Games in Beijing](https://www.britannica.com/event/Beijing-2008-Olympic-Games), and he took over the number one world ranking from Federer in the same month. ## 2009 to 2018: making history at the French Open [1 of 2](https://cdn.britannica.com/38/196938-050-5178DD08/Rafael-Nadal-French-Open-2012.jpg) [Holding court at the French Open](https://cdn.britannica.com/38/196938-050-5178DD08/Rafael-Nadal-French-Open-2012.jpg)Rafael Nadal at the French Open, 2012. (more) [2 of 2](https://cdn.britannica.com/04/194504-050-E7C165CB/Rafael-Nadal-2010.jpg) [A second Wimbledon title](https://cdn.britannica.com/04/194504-050-E7C165CB/Rafael-Nadal-2010.jpg)Rafael Nadal, 2010. (more) In 2009 Nadal won his first [Australian Open](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Australian-Open) championship after he again bested Federer in a dramatic five-set final match. He set a record for consecutive wins at the French Open the following May, which was then broken at 31 when Nadal was upset in the fourth round of the tournament. At the end of the 2009 tennis season, Nadal helped Spain sweep the [Czech Republic](https://www.britannica.com/place/Czech-Republic) in the Davis Cup final. His dominance of the French Open returned in 2010 when he easily won the event for the fifth time in his career, which he followed by winning his second Wimbledon title in July of that year. In September he won his first [U.S. Open](https://www.britannica.com/sports/US-Open-tennis) and thus completed a [career Grand Slam](https://www.britannica.com/sports/career-Grand-Slam-singles-champions) by having won all four of the slam’s component tournaments. In 2011 Nadal captured his sixth career French Open title, besting Federer in the final. After losing the next three consecutive Grand Slam finals to [Novak Djokovic](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Novak-Djokovic), Nadal reversed course and defeated Djokovic in the 2012 French Open final to break Borg’s record for the men’s French Open singles championships. He added another French title in 2013, becoming the first man to win the same Grand Slam singles event eight times. Later that year he captured a second career U.S. Open singles championship. In 2014 he won a ninth French Open championship. Explore Britannica Premium\! Trusted knowledge for those who want to know more. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=shorter-2026)    [](https://cdn.britannica.com/01/196601-050-F698C5AA/Rafael-Nadal-US-Open-2017.jpg) [Rafael Nadal](https://cdn.britannica.com/01/196601-050-F698C5AA/Rafael-Nadal-US-Open-2017.jpg)Tennis legend Rafael Nadal at the U.S. Open, 2017. (more) Nadal was plagued by injuries throughout the remainder of the 2014 season, and he struggled to recover his form in 2015. During that year he failed to win a Grand Slam title, ending his record streak of having captured at least one major tournament in 10 straight years. His best performance at a Grand Slam in 2016 was just a fourth-round elimination at the U.S. Open, but Nadal gained a measure of redemption by capturing his second career Olympic gold medal at the [Rio de Janeiro Games](https://www.britannica.com/event/Rio-de-Janeiro-2016-Olympic-Games). He advanced to his first Grand Slam final in three years at the 2017 Australian Open, where he lost a thrilling five-set match to Federer. Nadal ended his Grand Slam title [drought](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/drought) when he won a 10th career French Open championship in June 2017. Three months later he won his third U.S. Open singles title. At the 2018 Australian Open, Nadal was forced to withdraw in the quarterfinals because of an injury, but he recovered in time to claim another French Open championship, which was his 17th Grand Slam title. ## Later career: 22 Grand Slam titles and injuries After losing the Australian Open final in 2019, Nadal continued his dominance at Roland Garros that year by capturing his 12th career French Open singles championship. He later won the 2019 U.S. Open singles title, which was his 19th career Grand Slam championship, the second most for men behind Federer’s 20 titles. The following year he tied Federer when he won his 13th French Open title. (Their record was equaled in July 2021 by Djokovic.) After losing in the semifinals of the French Open in 2021, Nadal missed most of the year’s remaining tournaments, including Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, because of a foot injury. He entered the 2022 Australian Open with low expectations, but he stunned many observers by overcoming a two-set [deficit](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/deficit) to defeat [Russia’s](https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia) [Daniil Medvedev](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Daniil-Medvedev) in the final and claim his 21st Grand Slam title. Some four months later Nadal won his 14th career French Open championship. Nadal’s strong play continued at Wimbledon, but an abdominal injury forced him to withdraw before his semifinal match. He was able to compete at the 2022 U.S. Open, but he lost in the fourth round. More disappointment followed at the 2023 Australian Open, where he was defeated in the second round after suffering a hip injury. In addition, Djokovic won the tournament to tie Nadal for most Grand Slam titles. Nadal subsequently missed that season’s French Open, which was won by Djokovic, who gained sole possession of the title. Quick Facts In full: Rafael Nadal Parera *(Show more)* Byname: Rafa Nadal *(Show more)* Born: June 3, 1986, Manacor, Mallorca, [Spain](https://www.britannica.com/place/Spain) (age 39) *(Show more)* Awards And Honors: [Olympic Games](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Olympic-Games) [Australian Open (2022)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Australian-Open) [French Open (2022)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [French Open (2020)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [French Open (2019)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [U.S. Open (2019)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/US-Open-tennis) [French Open (2018)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [U.S. Open (2017)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/US-Open-tennis) [French Open (2017)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [tennis (2016)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/tennis) [Olympic Games (2016)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Olympic-Games) [French Open (2014)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [U.S. Open (2013)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/US-Open-tennis) [French Open (2013)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [French Open (2012)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [French Open (2011)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [Wimbledon Championships (2010)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Wimbledon-Championships) [French Open (2010)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [U.S. Open (2010)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/US-Open-tennis) [Australian Open (2009)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Australian-Open) [French Open (2008)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [tennis (2008)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/tennis) [Wimbledon Championships (2008)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Wimbledon-Championships) [French Open (2007)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [French Open (2006)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) [French Open (2005)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open) *(Show more)* [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Rafael-Nadal) Nadal returned to competitive play in 2024, but he continued to struggle. At that year’s French Open he lost in the first round. Afterward he said, “If it’s the last time that I played here, I am at peace with myself.” He then skipped Wimbledon in order to focus on the [Paris Olympics](https://www.britannica.com/explore/paris-olympics-2024). There he faced Djokovic in the first round and was defeated in straight sets. In November Nadal retired from professional tennis after competing in the Davis Cup. Following his last match Nadal reflected on his career with gratitude: > The titles and numbers are there so people probably know that, but the way I would like to be remembered is being a good person from a small village in Mallorca where I had the luck to have my uncle as a tennis coach. I had a great family who supported me in every moment. I was a kid who followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today. At the end of the day, a lot of people try their best every single day, but I’m very lucky to have the life I have to live because of tennis. [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419)This article was most recently revised and updated by [Will Gosner](https://www.britannica.com/editor/will-gosner/9852049). Britannica AI *chevron\_right* Rafael Nadal *close* [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. Load Next Page Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. *print* Print Please select which sections you would like to print: *verified*Cite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Britannica Editors. "French Open". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 21 Feb. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open. Accessed 11 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/sports/French-Open> External Websites - [ESPN - French Open winners: Men's and women's singles champions](https://www.espn.in/tennis/story/_/id/40269330/french-open-winners-mens-womens-singles-champions) - [Official Site of Roland Garros](https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us) Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. *print* Print Please select which sections you would like to print: *verified*Cite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Britannica Editors. "Rafael Nadal". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 30 May. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal. Accessed 11 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rafael-Nadal> External Websites - [Olympic.org - Biography of Rafael Nadal](https://www.olympic.org/rafael-nadal) - [Official Site of Rafa Nadal](https://rafaelnadal.com/en/) Britannica Websites Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. - [Rafael Nadal - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)](https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Rafael-Nadal/599480)