The French Open
With the French Open 2025 just around the corner, we're taking a look at what makes this Grand Slam one of the most prestigious and demanding tournaments in the world. Our tennis team here at Oriam share their top British players to watch at this years tournament, including rising stars and seasoned competitors. We will also discuss some of the key differences between the clay courts of Roland-Garros and our courts at Oriam.
The History of the French Open
The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, was founded in 1891 and is one of the four major Grand Slam tennis tournaments in the world; alongside Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. It's played on clay courts, which makes it unique among the Grand Slam events, and it is typically played between late May and early June.
When Did The French Open Begin?
The history of the French Open dates to 1891, when it was first held as the French Championships at the Stade Français as a Men's interclub competition. It got its current name, Roland Garros, in 1928, named after a famous French aviator. Since then, it has become one of the most prestigious events in tennis. In 1897 women's singles matches were added to the tournament. The competition was opened to international players in 1925, the same year women's double matches were added. After a hiatus due to the Second World War, the French Open was dominated by the English-Speaking world. First it was the Americans, then the Australians including Margaret Court - still holding the record for the most Roland-Garros titles, with 13 in total won between 1962 and 1973 (five singles, four doubles and four mixed).
The tournament gained further importance, when the sport became professional in 1968. Within this period the stadium undertook its very first expansion in 1979, adding five more courts, taking it to ten in total. Additional expansion were made in 1986, 92 and 94, which oversaw a vast increase to its current 8.5 hectares and 20 courts.
The French Open 2025
The French Open in 2025 is the second Grand Slam of the year and will take place between May 25th and June 8th, 2025. Roland-Garros is unique in the Grand Slam tournaments, the only one to take place on red clay. Red clay creates a slower and more deliberate game, compared to hard-court or grass, and demands physical toughness.
This year's edition of the French Open will follow the format of the Grand Slam: Singles, Doubles (Men's, Women's and Mixed) and Wheelchair Tennis, continuing the commitment to inclusivity and world-class competition.
A special highlight of the 2025 French Open will be the honorary ceremony for legendary 14-time champion Rafael Nadal. The Tennis icon brought an end to his professional tennis career in November 2024.
This year's prize money pool stands at £48.46million, reflecting a 5.37% increase from 2024. For the singles competitions, this includes £2.193million for the champion and £1.096 for the runner-up. Doubles champions earn £507,400 and the mixed doubles champions receive £104,920.
French Open Key Facts:
Why is the French Open played on Red Clay?
The French Open is played on red clay courts due to a combination of practicality, cultural significance, and historical precedent. This practice began in 1880, when the Renshaw brothers, who managed a tennis court in Cannes, France, covered their grass courts with powdered terra cotta to cope with the intense heat. The innovation quickly caught on throughout France and eventually became a well-established tradition. Today, the red clay courts at the French Open promote a style of play that emphasises strategic footwork, as the surface is slower and demands more precision than hard or grass courts.
Why is Nadal Called the "King of Clay"?
Rafael Nadal has dominated the French Open for over a decade with some iconic victories across the years. He's known as the "King of Clay" for his exceptional performance on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Nadal has won the Men's singles title a record-breaking nine times, demonstrating incredible skill and determination.
Who is the Oldest Tennis Player to Win the French Open?
Novak Djokovic was the oldest tennis player to win the Men's singles title in the French Open era, at age of 36 years and 20 days, back in 2023. He defeated Casper Ruud in the final to clinch his record breaking 23rd grand slam title.
A 17-Year Old Champion
In 1989, Michael Chang, an American tennis player, became the youngster male player to win the French Open, at age of just 17. His unexpected victory against Stefan Edberg in the finals remains one of the most memorable moments in the tournament's history.
British Players to look out for:
We spoke with some of the tennis team here at Oriam to find out more about some of the top British players to watch at this year's French Open. Here's who they recommended:
Jack Draper
Jack Draper (Sky Sports)
As of May 2025, Jack Draper is the No.1 British tennis player in the world, having overtook Cameron Norrie in June 2024. Jack Draper is 23-years old and one of the most promising young tennis players in the world with an ATP singles world ranking at No.5. This makes him the highest-ranked British male player since Andy Murray in 2017. He also became the first-ever British youngster to win three ATP Challenger titles in less than two months.
Draper is now a consistent presence on the ATP Tour and has represented Britain at the Next Gen ATP Finals. He also put an excellent performance at the US Open, Canada Masters, and Rothesay International Eastbourne in 2022. Given that he is scheduled to feature in the French Open Grand Slam for the third time in his career, our tennis coaches recommend him as one to watch.
Cameron Norrie
Cameron Norrie (BBC)
Since 2013, Cameron Norrie has been representing his nation Great Britain, and is the current British No.2 tennis player. Norrie spent majority of his childhood and junior career in New Zealand. Since becoming pro in 2017, Norrie has been on a steady ascent through the ATP rankings, reaching a career high of world No. 8 in 2022 and becoming the fourth male British player to enter the ATP Top 10.
Throughout his career, Norrie has won seven ITF titles, one ATP doubles title, five ATP singles titles, and his Indian Wells Masters victory in 2021 is his greatest accomplishment to date. He has also established himself as a valuable member of Great Britain's Davis Cup team, having competed nine times for his home country.
His assistance comes from the LTA Men's Elite Programme, which is designed to help the best British tennis players reach their big tournament goals. Norrie has accomplished two of ATP titles in Rio de Janeiro and Lyon on clay. He has advanced to the third round in both tournament in the last three years, so he has good form for the clay at Roland-Garros.
Dan Evans
Dan Evans (LTA)
Dan Evans was born in Birmingham. He actually began playing squash with his father at the age of seven before he became a tennis player. Since becoming pro in 2008, Evans has had great success rising through the ATP rankings. In 2023, he reached a career high of world No. 21 in singles and world No. 52 in doubles. Through his singles career, Even has won nine ATP Challenger championships, thirteen ITF Future titles, one ATP 500 title in Washington, and one ATP 250 title in Melbourne.
A seasoned doubles player, Evens has also won seven ITF Future doubles championships. Having made his Davis Cup debut against Poland in 2009, Evens has established himself as a key player for Great Britain, having played in 22 matches and been a member of the team that won the tournament in 2015. He hopes to rekindle his form at the second Grand Slam of the year (the French Open).
Katie Boulter
Katie Boulter (The Standard)
Katie Boulter, the current No. 1 women's tennis player in Britain, was born in Leicester and is the daughter of former tennis coach Sue Boulter. She began playing Tennis at the age of five, drawing inspiration from her childhood idol, Serena Williams. Boulter is product of the Elite Player Programme, an initiative that provides the greatest calibre of assistance to emerging players between the ages of 16 and 24 who want to compete in the ATP/WTA 100 singles.
She made her main draw debut at Roland Garros in 2024, competing in the French Open singles for the first time. Although she was narrowly defeated by the former world No. 2 Paula Badosa in the opening round, Boulter gained valuable experience and thus determination to progress further in 2025.
Harriet Dart
Harriet Dart (The Independent)
Harriet Dart is a 28-year-old British tennis player and title winner, currently ranked 109th in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings as of March 2025. She reached the final of the mixed doubles at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, partnering with Joe Salisbury. Dart has also competed in the French Open, reaching the first round in both 2022 and 2024. On the ITF Women's Circuit, she has achieved notable success, winning five singles titles and 16 doubles titles.
Play Tennis at Oriam
Feeling inspired by some of the top players at the French Open and want to give tennis a try? We have a range of fantastic tennis activities for all the family here at Oriam. From our actioned packed minis and junior programme to our adult community classes and tennis court bookings, there's plenty of opportunity to spend time on court.
Book a Tennis Court at Oriam
We may not have the Parisian spring weather or the clay courts of the Roland Garros, but our Indoor Tennis Centre offers some of the best playing surface for tennis in Edinburgh. With six courts to choose from, there's plenty of opportunity for you to show your skills on court in singles or double action. Book a court and play at Oriam today.
Minis and Junior Tennis Programme
Our minis and junior tennis programme offers the perfect introduction to tennis for children of all ages. Tennis offers a great way for kids to stay active and have fun with a range of action packed games and activities. We have classes available for kids of all ages from 3-18 years old, with experienced coaches who will work with your child to grow their skills and confidence on court.