French Open Winners List

Rafael Nadal is the undisputed 'King of Clay' and the French Open has been his crowning glory. The Spaniard holds a record 6 French Open titles including four in a row from 2005 to 2008 and is now tied with Sweden's Bjorn Borg. His hopes of breaking the record were shattered in 2009 when he lost before the finals. In 2011, Nadal faced some of his stiffest competition at Roland Garros but picked up his slumping form when it mattered most before pulling off another amazing victory over his nemesis, Federer, in four sets in the finals.

Image by Yann Caradec (Creative Commons)

Gustavo Kuerten etched his name in French Open history when he became the first Brazilian player to win a Grand Slam singles title at the 1997 edition of the championships. Ranked 66th at the time, he also earned himself the distinction of being the second-lowest ranked player to win a Grand Slam title. After a lull in Grand Slam glory, the Brazilian stormed back with French Open mastery by winning back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001.

Ivan Lendl, the great Czech player and former World No.1, won three French Open crowns in the 1980's. He won in 1984, 1986 and 1987. His first French Open crown in 1984 saw him defeat the legendary John McEnroe in a thrilling five-set encounter.

Andre Agassi, a flamboyant fan-favorite, managed just one French Open title, winning the event in 1999 against Andrei Medvedev in the finals. The victory, just one in several attempts at achieving Roland Garros glory, catapulted him into an elite group of men's tennis icons with the distinction of winning all the four Grand Slams. Agassi was the 5th and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have joined the club since then.

Bjorn Borg is without doubt, one of the game's greatest achievers. Apart from his skill and prowess on court, his 'rock-star' like persona set him apart from the other greats of the time. His signature head-band, flowing locks and chilled persona on court invigorated the game with a fresh sense of charm and personality. Nonetheless, it is tennis that he will always be remembered for and the French Open has seen the best of him. Besides, the great Swede holds a record 6 French Open crowns, recently equalled by Rafael Nadal, and was the youngest male player to win the event at 18 years of age until a 17-year old Mats Wilander broke the record, followed by a slightly younger Michael Chang in 1989.

Image by C Thomas (creative commons)

1995 proved to be a golden year for Austria's Thomas Muster who capped off an incredible clay-court season with a triumphant conquest at Roland Garros. Always the determined, energetic and physically tough athelete, Muster bulldozed the gritty American, Michael Chang, in the finals to lift the trophy that was dearest to his heart.

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