After nearly four long months, Grand Slam tennis is back!
The British players have been busy sliding on the clay in preparation for the second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris.
Stan Wawrinka is returning as the defending champion after a stunning victory in his snazzy shorts 12 months ago while women’s winner Serena Williams goes for her fourth title.
The last British player to grace a singles final in Paris was Sue Barker back in 1976, while Bunny Austin was the last male finalist in 1938, what will 2016 bring….?
Who are the men?
Andy Murray heads into the tournament in fine form looking to make his first final.
The World No.2 has been on fire on the red stuff so far this year, making the semi-final in Monte Carlo, final in Madrid and winning the title in Rome against Novak Djokovic.
Aljaz Bedene will want to build on his previous best of Round 1 while Kyle Edmund, who has enjoyed career high ranking of No.82 of late, returns to the scene of his memorable first Grand Slam match win against Stephane Robert last year.
Round 1 draw:
- Andy Murray v Radek Stepanek
- Aljaz Bedene v Gerald Melzer
- Kyle Edmund v Nikoloz Basilashvili
(View full draw)
Who are the women?
There are four British players in the main draw again for the first time since 2012.
Johanna Konta came through qualifying last year without dropping a set before heading out in Round 1. In her second appearance this time around, she will carry a seeding at a Grand Slam for the first time.
Naomi Broady’s stunning form has seen her rise inside the world’s top 80 as she plays her maiden French Open while Laura Robson takes to the courts for the first time since 2013.
Round 1 draw:
- Johanna Konta v Julia Goerges
- Heather Watson v Nicole Gibbs
- Naomi Broady v Coco Vandeweghe
- Laura Robson v Andrea Petkovic
(View full draw)
Anyone for doubles?
Jamie Murray heads into the tournament as the man to beat having won the Australian Open with Bruno Soares, risen to No.1 in the world, and being involved in the last three Grand Slam finals in a row.
- Jamie Murray & Bruno Soares
- Jonathan Erlich & Colin Fleming
- Ken Skupski & John Millman
- Jocelyn Rae & Anna Smith
- Johanna Konta & Maria Sanchez
- Heather Watson & Nicole Gibbs
- Naomi Broady & Louisa Chirico
*Pairings to be be updated
Who are the juniors?
Wheelchair tennis
Player
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Events in 2016
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2015 Results
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Jordanne Whiley
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Women’s singles & doubles
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Singles QF, doubles runner-up
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Gordon Reid
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Men’s singles & doubles
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Singles QF, doubles champion
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Lucy Shuker
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Women’s singles & doubles
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N/A
|
2015 flashback
Who can forget the five hour tussle Andy Murray had with Novak Djokovic over two days in last year’s semi-finals?
Murray pushed the tournament favourite and World No.1 to the limit in Paris in what was his best ever year on the dirt.
In between matches, Murray also found the time to cram himself into Court 7 to support compatriot Kyle Edmund during his fifth set win over Stephane Robert.
Gordon Reid won his first ever Grand Slam title in the wheelchair doubles, partnering Shingo Kunieda to land the trophy.