The Forgotten Numbers of the French Open

Rafael Nadal and Chris Evert are the Roland-Garros standards having claimed, respectively, 14 and 7 French singles titles. But the passage of time has resulted in many historic accomplishments falling into a “Chasm .”

This story which delves into a collection of men’s and women’s feats that have become Roland-Garros’ “Forgotten Numbers.”

The French championships began in 1891. Initially the tournament was open only to players who were members of French tennis clubs. That changed in 1925 when all amateurs were allowed to participate. The decision led the International Tennis Federation to recognize the tournament, as a Major.

It is ironic that the inaugural men’s champion was British. His first name is actually unknown. But to his credit H. Briggs was a Paris resident and a member of the Club Stade Français.

Francoise “Adine” Masson, daughter of Tennis Club de Paris co-founder, Armand Masson, won the first women’s singles title in 1898 eventually collecting five in all.

Their names were as captivating as their play. These were the 4 musketeers: Jean Laurent Robert Borotra, Jacques Marie Stanislas Jean Brugnon, Henri Jean Cochet and Jean René Lacoste. They dominated tennis in the 1920s.

But before the “Four Mousquetaires” there were players…