Graphic shows men’s seedings at Roland Garros 2021.
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TENNIS

Roland Garros men’s seeds 2021

By Chris Dinsdale

May 30, 2021 - June 13, 2021 - Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam tournament of the season, takes place in Paris. World No.1 Novak Djokovic heads the men’s seeds at Roland Garros, with Daniil Medvedev seeded No.2, Rafael Nadal No.3 and Dominic Thiem at No. 4.

The concept of clay courts dates from 1880 when powdered terracotta was used in Cannes to cover grass courts wilting in the heat.

The inaugural French Clay-Court Championships, limited to club members only, were played in 1891. The tournament was opened to international players in 1925, becoming the French Open. A designated court complex opened three years later, named in honour of Roland Garros, a pioneer French aviator killed in World War I.

Notable champions at Roland Garros include Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who has won the Coupe de Mousquetaires 13 times, a record number of singles titles for any of the four Grand Slam tournaments. American Chris Evert tops the women’s table, winning the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen seven times between 1974 and 1986.

A major expansion that included the complete rebuilding of the 90-year-old Court Philippe Chatrier to accommodate a retractable roof was completed in early 2020. A key reason, perhaps, why organisers were so keen that the tournament should not fall victim to the coronavirus.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 28/05/2021; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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