Roland Garros / French Open [Men] - Grand Slam

[MargaretMcAleer]

It was a passion like no other! Nothing but my work has even come close; including people! It was very expensive hpbby with the rackets, balls, clothes, shoes, accessories, court time, and travel! I think my parents appreciated me doing that than hanging out on the street with thuggish friends like my brother! He's a certifiable idiot to this day and I was proud enough to not cause them grief that was to come from my cretinous sibling!

I think playing sport or belonging to a sporting club keeps young people not only active but can also keep them out of mischief lol!

 

[Jelenafan]

Well I know how he feels! Back in the day I believed any shot was possible! If I thought I could make a winner from hitting the ball from behind the back, I could make it! If I missed, Heaven help the stick I was carrying! Wood rackets were a dime a dozen way back when so I went thru a few! The problem was after the new tech came out, they got more expensive, but it didn't stop the smashing! I stopped counting at 65 rackets! Some were just given away or sold because they didn't suit my aggressive game! That may seem like a lot of rackets to go thru, but for someone who played every day all day, it was no biggie! Lucky I had a family that could support such a gentlemen's sport of elitist snobs!

OMG, secret revealed: Fiero is Johnnny Mac !!

 

[the AntiPusher]

I'm obviously a little older! I played with Borg's original woody from Bancroft! It was thicker than some other rackets and held up pretty well to the tensions! They lasted longer than the Wilsons, Dunlops, & Slazenger rackets! I went thru a lot of rackets!

You got them blisters from those damn Wilson's rackets horse leather grips

 

[Fiero425]

OMG, secret revealed: Fiero is Johnnny Mac !!

Close, but I never got into arguments with players! I can count on one hand having serious disagreement on line calls! One was a doctor and it was shocking to see how far he would go to take advantage of a child of 19!

 

[the AntiPusher]

Close, but I never got into arguments with players! I can count on one hand having serious disagreement on line calls! One was a doctor and was it shocking to see how far he would go to take advantage of a child of 19!

This is all good.. listening to tennis players who played the game at a higher levels although it's not wasn't the ATP level but still very competitive

 

[Fiero425]

This is all good.. listening to tennis players who played the game at a higher levels although it's not wasn't the ATP level but still very competitive

I was there when the Tennis Boom started, just before Evert and Connors were winning in '74! Everyone wanted to play, even if they couldn't! It got very busy out there with plenty of one time players wanting to show off their new sportswear, rackets, and shoes! I played for my High School team, then started playing Park District competitions; the A & B levels were quite good! I started working in the 80's so play was cut in half, but would still find local tournaments to keep in shape! There was a lot to do when it came to tennis including charity affairs with local celebs and tennis pros I participated in! I couldn't record anything back then, but I was told I made the news or some other shows with me in the background of shots! The newspaper articles or pictures I was able to save!

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

Can I just say the French got their revenge on Rafa for sure that statue of him is definitely not good.

 

[Front242]

Can I just say the French got their revenge on Rafa for sure that statue of him is definitely not good.

It looks 100% like Berdych to me. His face is pure Robo-Berdych.

 

[the AntiPusher]

It was a passion like no other! Nothing but my work has even come close; including people! It was very expensive hobby with the rackets, balls, clothes, shoes, accessories, court time, and travel! I think my parents appreciated me doing that than hanging out on the street with thuggish friends like my brother! He's a certifiable idiot to this day and I was proud enough to not cause them grief that was to come from my cretinous sibling!

You left out the best reason..the women wearing short tennis dresses and booties shorts.
Do you realize how much "action" you can get from playing a mix doubles tennis tournament with a female who has "NEVER" won anything athletic. Plus the women you meet at tennis practice, in the park , club mixers, league and tournaments. My Lord , I picked up so many ladies sitting watching their dates and kids practicing or playing tournaments. Oh it's has been a very wonderful social life playing the game of tennis.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

It looks 100% like Berdych to me. His face is pure Robo-Berdych.

I literally was like Rafa has interesting taste in art, and then I was like oh, damn.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

that rafa statue seems visually similar (in colour and metallic look) as the tin man in wizardofoz.

.but he has been left out in the sun too long and he got sunburn and bad peeling.

apart from that it is still shit as somehow the forehand shape is way off.

 

[Moxie]

that rafa statue seems visually similar (in colour and metallic look) as the tin man in wizardofoz.

.but he has been left out in the sun too long and he got sunburn and bad peeling.

apart from that it is still shit as somehow the forehand shape is way off.

My first impression was that it looked like the John Forsyth character in "Scrooged."

I guess the French Tennis Federation is hoping if they did that, they wouldn't have to rename their premier stadium after him, instead of Philippe Chartrier, who was far from their best champion. He never won a Major and never got out of the 3rd round at RG. They could have named the big one after Suzanne Lenglen, who won 21 Majors and was arguably tennis's first Superstar. But she was, ahem, a woman. I bet they're sorry now they didn't name the main one after her.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

My first impression was that it looked like the John Forsyth character in "Scrooged."

I guess the French Tennis Federation is hoping if they did that, they wouldn't have to rename their premier stadium after him, instead of Philippe Chartrier, who was far from their best champion. He never won a Major and never got out of the 3rd round at RG. They could have named the big one after Suzanne Lenglen, who won 21 Majors and was arguably tennis's first Superstar. But she was, ahem, a woman. I bet they're sorry now they didn't name the main one after her.

Suzanne Lenglen was known as The Goddess in Paris at least she has the next biggest court at Roland Garos

 

[Moxie]

Suzanne Lenglen was known as The Goddess in Paris at least she has the next biggest court at Roland Garos

And who was Phillipe Chartrier? Basically, in the history of tennis, no one. It's like he was a place-holder, and the French Tennis Federation was hoping that there would be a male French player that would come up and they could name the court after him. Their problem now is that the one who makes most sense is Rafael Nadal. Not French. If they'd named their show court after Lenglen in the first place, at least they might not feel so bad about giving the 2nd one to Nadal. But this Chartrier thing is beginning to be an embarrassment, especially since they have renovated.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

And who was Phillipe Chartrier? Basically, in the history of tennis, no one. It's like he was a place-holder, and the French Tennis Federation was hoping that there would be a male French player that would come up and they could name the court after him. Their problem now is that the one who makes most sense is Rafael Nadal. Not French. If they'd named their show court after Lenglen in the first place, at least they might not feel so bad about giving the 2nd one to Nadal. But this Chartrier thing is beginning to be an embarrassment, especially since they have renovated.

He was a tennis player,became a journalist,went into sports admin,then was French Tennis President for sometime,then ITF president.
You are never going to replace his court with another player that is not French,regardless.
It would be like Rod Laver Arena being renamed Novak Djokovic Arena seeing how many AO titles he has at the AO.

 

[Moxie]

He was a tennis player,became a journalist,went into sports admin,then was French Tennis President for sometime,then ITF president.
You are never going to replace his court with another player that is not French,regardless.
It would be like Rod Laver Arena being renamed Novak Djokovic Arena seeing how many AO titles he has.

Look, I read his wikipedia, too. But he was no Rod Laver. And he was no Suzanne Lenglen. But their problem all along was that it's a male-centric world, and they needed a man to name the show court after. The reason that the Coupe des Mousquetaires is so called is that there were 4 men who featured in French men's tennis at the same time, in early days, the most famous of which is Rene Lacoste. But which of them to pick to name the stadium after? I'm not saying Chartier was nothing, but it's also a bit obvious how they got there. Of course Australia is never going to rename Laver for Djokovic. And the USO will never rename Ashe. Wimbledon has it right with "Centre Court," which I'm sure they will never change. (No politics there.) But the Chartrier one is a bit lame. IMO.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Look, I read his wikipedia, too. But he was no Rod Laver. And he was no Suzanne Lenglen. But their problem all along was that it's a male-centric world, and they needed a man to name the show court after. The reason that the Coupe des Mousquetaires is so called is that there were 4 men who featured in French men's tennis at the same time, in early days, the most famous of which is Rene Lacoste. But which of them to pick to name the stadium after? I'm not saying Chartier was nothing, but it's also a bit obvious how they got there. Of course Australia is never going to rename Laver for Djokovic. And the USO will never rename Ashe. Wimbledon has it right with "Centre Court," which I'm sure they will never change. (No politics there.) But the Chartrier one is a bit lame. IMO.

Growing up in Europe I can assure you it was 'male-centric', to this day especially in the older age group it still is.I take your point on board that Chartier was not a tennis legend and yes Lenglen god love her,she used to drink brandy between sets would have been a better choice.The French are never going to change it....it is what it is.

 

[Jelenafan]

And who was Phillipe Chartrier? Basically, in the history of tennis, no one. It's like he was a place-holder, and the French Tennis Federation was hoping that there would be a male French player that would come up and they could name the court after him. Their problem now is that the one who makes most sense is Rafael Nadal. Not French. If they'd named their show court after Lenglen in the first place, at least they might not feel so bad about giving the 2nd one to Nadal. But this Chartrier thing is beginning to be an embarrassment, especially since they have renovated.

RG Culture: Who was Philippe Chatrier? - Roland-Garros - The official site

Philippe Chatrier passed away 20 years ago this year. We take a look back at the life and actions of this ambassador for tennis.

www.rolandgarros.com

Who was Philippe Chatrier, namesake of Roland Garros' roofed court? | Tennis.com

He was a man who changed the face of French tennis and, as president of the International Tennis Federation between 1977 and 1991, influenced much of the tennis world.

www.tennis.com

I don't think it's hyperbole to say that Chartrier was one of the great visionaries of tennis in the modern era.

Chatrier worked tirelessly as President of the French Tennis Federation from 1973-1993, helped usher in and promote Open tennis ; fought for the professionals to be allowed to play, and almost singlehandedly pushed to get the main stadium increased as well as acquiring land to double the size of the French Open. People mocked him saying that tennis popularity would never merit such measures. Chartrier also was the president of the ITF, (international Tennis Federation) and was instrumental of of tennis into the Olympics again. His quest was to make the French Open at Roland Garos the equivalent of any Major, and was for over 20 years improving, renovating and was as saavy as anyone in using publicity/media to promote the FO and tennis in general. Arthur Ashe said he never saw anyone who did more to promote tennis on a global level than Chatrier, and that Chartier went out of his way to accommodate and make things welcoming to the tennis players at the FO, (contrast with Wimbledon who would make the players feel like indentured servants ) and as one of the websites mentioned Kramer called him his dearest friend in tennis.

Roland Garos was a WW1 fighting ace, not a tennis player. I see nothing wrong with the French allowing non "great" players to be honored at their complex. The French Open has the clout and prestige it has today in no small part due to Chartrier so let's just say I disagree that Chartrier is a nobody in tennis history.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

My first impression was that it looked like the John Forsyth character in "Scrooged."

I guess the French Tennis Federation is hoping if they did that, they wouldn't have to rename their premier stadium after him, instead of Philippe Chartrier, who was far from their best champion. He never won a Major and never got out of the 3rd round at RG. They could have named the big one after Suzanne Lenglen, who won 21 Majors and was arguably tennis's first Superstar. But she was, ahem, a woman. I bet they're sorry now they didn't name the main one after her.

May I say I liked the stature of Rafa and it is in the main entrance of Roland Garos,that in itself is a honor.

 

[Moxie]

RG Culture: Who was Philippe Chatrier? - Roland-Garros - The official site

Philippe Chatrier passed away 20 years ago this year. We take a look back at the life and actions of this ambassador for tennis.

www.rolandgarros.com

Who was Philippe Chatrier, namesake of Roland Garros' roofed court? | Tennis.com

He was a man who changed the face of French tennis and, as president of the International Tennis Federation between 1977 and 1991, influenced much of the tennis world.

www.tennis.com

I don't think it's hyperbole to say that Chartrier was one of the great visionaries of tennis in the modern era.

Chatrier worked tirelessly as President of the French Tennis Federation from 1973-1993, helped usher in and promote Open tennis ; fought for the professionals to be allowed to play, and almost singlehandedly pushed to get the main stadium increased as well as acquiring land to double the size of the French Open. People mocked him saying that tennis popularity would never merit such measures. Chartrier also was the president of the ITF, (international Tennis Federation) and was instrumental of of tennis into the Olympics again. His quest was to make the French Open at Roland Garos the equivalent of any Major, and was for over 20 years improving, renovating and was as saavy as anyone in using publicity/media to promote the FO and tennis in general. Arthur Ashe said he never saw anyone who did more to promote tennis on a global level than Chatrier, and that Chartier went out of his way to accommodate and make things welcoming to the tennis players at the FO, (contrast with Wimbledon who would make the players feel like indentured servants ) and as one of the websites mentioned Kramer called him his dearest friend in tennis.

Roland Garos was a WW1 fighting ace, not a tennis player. I see nothing wrong with the French allowing non "great" players to be honored at their complex. The French Open has the clout and prestige it has today in no small part due to Chartrier so let's just say I disagree that Chartrier is a nobody in tennis history.

OK, you make a good case for Chartrier. I stand corrected, at least as to his value to the game. And I have no problem with non-tennis people being honored. The USO had Louis Armstrong stadium, because he was a great American icon, and lived locally to the complex. But if you're going to be so complimentary of Roland Garros, could you please, and others, too, spell his name right? It has two RRs in the surname. It drives me crazy, but folks are mad that the spelling police have been out. But seriously: "Roland Garros."

On the other hand, do you disagree that it was a bit sexist that they didn't go with Suzanne Lenglen for the main court and Chartrier for the 2nd one?