PARIS — As the 2025 French Open kicks off this week, tennis fans worldwide will flock to the iconic Stade Roland Garros. But who was Roland Garros, the man behind the name? BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team delves into the life of the pioneering aviator and World War I hero whose legacy extends far beyond the clay courts of Paris.
The Early Life of Roland Garros
Born on October 6, 1888, in Saint-Denis, Réunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, Eugène Adrien Roland Georges Garros displayed an early fascination with mechanics and speed. He moved to Paris for his education, where he developed a passion for aviation—a field still in its infancy. By 1909, at just 21, Garros earned his pilot's license, becoming one of France's earliest aviators. "He was fearless, always pushing boundaries," noted aviation historian Claude Lefebvre.
Pioneering Achievements in Aviation
Garros quickly made a name for himself as a record-breaking pilot. In 1911, he set a world altitude record of 3,950 meters (12,959 feet). Two years later, he became the first person to fly non-stop across the Mediterranean Sea, traveling from Fréjus, France, to Bizerte, Tunisia—a daring 7.5-hour journey covering 800 kilometers (500 miles). This feat cemented his status as a national hero. "Crossing the Mediterranean was like landing on the moon at the time," Lefebvre remarked.
Garros also played a crucial role in advancing aviation technology. During World War I, he developed the first practical forward-firing aircraft machine gun, synchronizing it to fire through the propeller—a breakthrough that revolutionized aerial combat. His innovations laid the groundwork for modern fighter aircraft. Key contributions include:
- Designing a deflector system for propeller blades
- Pioneering air-to-air combat tactics
- Inspiring future aviation legends like the Red Baron
World War I and Capture
When World War I erupted, Garros enlisted as a fighter pilot. His synchronized machine gun gave the French a tactical edge, and he scored three aerial victories before being captured by German forces in April 1915 after engine failure forced him to land behind enemy lines. He spent nearly three years as a prisoner of war before escaping in February 1918. Tragically, he was shot down and killed just months later, on October 5, 1918—one day before his 30th birthday and weeks before the war ended. "His death was a profound loss for France," said biographer Marie Durand.
The Tennis Connection
So how did an aviator’s name become synonymous with tennis? In 1928, Stade Roland Garros was constructed to host France's first Davis Cup defense. The stadium was named in his honor at the request of Emile Lesieur, a former rugby teammate of Garros and a key figure in French sports. "Lesieur insisted the venue bear Garros' name as a tribute to his bravery," explained tennis historian Jean Petit.
The French Open, originally called the Championnat de France, had been held since 1891 but moved to the new stadium in 1928. Over time, the tournament itself became colloquially known as "Roland Garros." Today, the venue is hallowed ground for tennis, hosting legends like Rafael Nadal, who has won a record 14 titles there. The tournament’s official name remains the "Internationaux de France de Tennis," but fans and players alike simply call it Roland Garros.
Legacy and Honors
Beyond the tennis stadium, Garros’ legacy endures in numerous ways:
- Paris’ second busiest airport, Orly, features a terminal named after him
- A statue of Garros stands in his hometown of Saint-Denis, Réunion
- The French government posthumously awarded him the Légion d’Honneur, its highest decoration
Conclusion
Roland Garros was far more than a name on a tennis stadium. He was a trailblazing aviator, a war hero, and a symbol of French courage. As fans gather for the 2025 French Open, his story serves as a reminder of the intersection between sports and history. "Garros embodied the spirit of adventure and resilience that defines both aviation and tennis," Lefebvre reflected. From the skies above Europe to the clay courts of Paris, his legacy soars on.