French Open

tennis · Grand Slam · Paris · clay court

Second of four. The French Open happens every year after the Australian Open but before Wimbledon and the US Open. These four tournaments are called the Grand Slams, and they're the biggest tennis competitions in the world.

Paris location. The tournament takes place at Stade Roland Garros, a tennis stadium in Paris, France, which is why people also call it Roland-Garros.

Clay court magic. Unlike most other Grand Slams, the French Open is played on red clay courts, which make the ball bounce slower and higher. This creates longer rallies and rewards players with great footwork and strategy.

Started in 1891. The French Open has been around for over 130 years, though it only became a Grand Slam tournament in 1925. It's one of tennis's oldest and most prestigious events.