Roland Garros facts for kids

Roland Garros is a name known for two main things: a brave French aviator and a famous tennis tournament. The tournament, officially called the French Open, is named after the aviator, Roland Garros, who was a hero during World War I.

Who Was Roland Garros?

Roland Garros was born in 1888 on Réunion Island, a French island in the Indian Ocean. From a young age, he was fascinated by machines and speed. He grew up to become a very skilled and daring pilot, known for his amazing flying abilities.

Early Life and Flying Dreams

Roland Garros started flying in 1909, when aviation was still very new and exciting. He quickly became famous for his bold flights and his desire to push the limits of what airplanes could do. He loved the thrill of flying and was always looking for new challenges.

A Pioneer in Aviation

Garros was one of the first pilots to achieve many flying milestones. In 1913, he became the first person to fly an airplane non-stop across the Mediterranean Sea. This was a huge achievement at the time, showing how far aviation had come. He flew from France to Tunisia, a journey that took nearly eight hours. This flight proved that airplanes could travel long distances, which was very important for the future of air travel.

War Hero and Legacy

When World War I began in 1914, Roland Garros joined the French air force. He was one of the first pilots to use a machine gun that could fire through the airplane's propeller. This was a revolutionary idea that changed air combat forever. Before this, pilots had to try and shoot around their propellers, which was very difficult. His invention gave French planes a big advantage in the early days of the war. Sadly, Roland Garros was shot down and killed in combat in 1918, just a few months before the war ended. He was only 29 years old.

The French Open: A Grand Slam Event

The French Open is one of the four biggest tennis tournaments in the world. These four tournaments are called "Grand Slams." The others are Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. The French Open is special because it is played on clay courts, which makes the ball bounce higher and slower than on other surfaces. This often leads to long and exciting matches.

Why is it Called Roland-Garros?

The tennis tournament is officially called "Tournoi de Roland-Garros" in French, which means "Roland-Garros Tournament." It was named after the aviator Roland Garros in 1928. This was done to honor him and his brave spirit. The stadium where the tournament is played was also named after him.

Playing at Stade Roland Garros

The Stade Roland Garros is a famous tennis stadium complex located in Paris, France. It is the home of the French Open. The stadium has several courts, including the main court, Court Philippe Chatrier, and Court Suzanne Lenglen. Every year, top tennis players from around the world come to compete here on the red clay courts, hoping to win the prestigious French Open title.

Other Uses of the Name

The name Roland Garros is also used for the Roland Garros Airport. This airport is located in Saint-Denis, on Réunion Island, which is where the aviator Roland Garros was born. It serves as a major airport for the island.