The 2009 French Open Championship will be played between May 24 and June 7 and is regarded as one of the most demanding and arduous tournaments on the circuit. The slow clay courts of Roland Garros test the patience, fitness and resolve of the world's top players and provide a fortnight of fascinating competition.
French Open Venue Roland Garros
In 1927 the French national team of Brugnon, Cochet, Lacoste and Borotra defeated the USA in America to nationwide acclaim in their home country, but a major difficulty arose as a result of this memorable victory. With large crowds expected in 1928 to witness the Challenge Round of the competition, no suitable venue could be found.
Three hectares of land were offered by Stade de France near the Porte d'Auteil. The only condition placed was that the new stadium be named after Roland Garros, a club member and World War I pilot who died shortly before the Armistice.
Clay Court Surface at Roland Garros
One of the distinctive characteristics of the four tennis grand slams is the differing nature of the respective playing surfaces. The Plexicushion covering at the Australian, hardcourt at the US and grass at Wimbledon. The French Open is played on clay, a slow surface with exaggerated bounce, limiting the effectiveness of the heavy first serve.
The slow clay promotes longer rallies and favours the more defensive player as opposed to the aggressive serve and volley competitor. Examples of classic serve and volley experts within the men's game who have failed to win a French Open - Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe and Boris Becker - highlight the limitations of this style at Roland Garros. To emphasise this point, current doyen of the clay court Rafael Nadel has won the last titles.
Similarly in the women's game, clay court specialists thrive at Roland Garros. Known as queen of the clay courts, Justin Henin won three successive titles from 2005 before retiring in 2008. Supremely fit and athletic, Henin's speed, footwork and variety of stroke play saw her dominate her more physically powerful opponents.
2009 French Open Championship
Once again, Rafael Nadal will start strong favourite for the Men's crown. His dominance in recent years has made him an intimidating presence in Paris. With Roger Federer's fallibility well known on clay perhaps 2009 will see Andy Murray or Novak Djokovic provide the most potent threat to yet another Nadal triumph.
The Women's crown may be more evenly contested. Current holder Ana Ivanovic will be amongst the favourites but may we hard pushed to retain her title in the tiring and consistently demanding surroundings of Roland Garros.
References
BBC Sport
Open Tennis
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