Roland Garros, French Open

Roland Garros is played on the clay courts of Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. Within Paris, Stade Roland Garros is situated in the western side of the city, within Bois de Boulogne.

Emile Lesueur, president of the Stade Français during the early 20th century, named it after his former classmate. Roland Garros was a pilot in the First World War and considered a hero by many. Lesueur saw it fitting to name the tennis stadium after Garros – a man appraised foir his honour, courage and pioneering-attitude.

Roland Garros began in 1891.

Roland Garros is played on clay, often referred to as the 'red clay' or the 'red dirt'. This clay is comprised of red brick dust, crushed white limestone, clinker (coal residue), crushed gravel and drain.

There are currently 3 ways players can qualify to compete in the Roland Garros event: 

1. Rank among the top 104 players who sign up for the Grand Slam 
2. Win 3 rounds in the qualifying matches  
3. Receive a wild card 

Prize money varies by round, but the winner of the tournament will receive €1,400,000 and the runner up will receive €750,000.