Five days in, no players left. Why do the French struggle at Roland Garros?
Tracy Austin offers a deeper look at the host nation’s clay-court conundrum.
As a nation renowned for its passion, French men and women enjoy a hearty celebration. But when it comes to Roland Garros, it’s been a long time since they've toasted a native champion.
Starting in 1946, only twice has a French man won the singles title at Roland Garros. Back in 1946, Marcel Bernard raised the winner’s trophy. More recently came Yannick Noah’s incredible victory in 1983. That’s 40 years ago.
On the women’s side, the two most recent Frenchwomen to hold the title were Mary Pierce in 2000, and Francoise Durr in 1967.
There will be no addition to those honor rolls in 2023, as all French singles players were eliminated from this year's Roland Garros by the end of the second round.
What makes it so tough for the French to succeed at their homeland major? In the latest Talking Tennis with Tracy, Tracy Austin offers a deeper look at the host nation’s clay-court conundrum. (Watch below.)