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Rafael Nadal is in the pursuit of a record 22nd Grand Slam at the ongoing French Open
The oldest champion of the French was Elizabeth Ryan, who won the 1934 women’s doubles with Simone Mathieu (France) at 42 years 88 days. The oldest singles champion was Andrés Gimeno (Spain) in 1972 at 34 years 301 days. Rafael Nadal , who is set to turn 36 tomorrow (3rd June), could very well become the oldest ever singles champion at French Open if he wins the title this year.
Rafael Nadal will be taking on Alexander Zverev later this evening in the semi-final. He is coming into this match, high on confidence after a dominating 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 win against defending champion, Novak Djokovic.
Nadal has been in sublime touch in the tournament but the third seed, Zverev will certainly be a tricky opposition. If Nadal triumphs in Paris, he will become the fourth oldest winner of a Grand Slam. Only two players have won a Grand Slam aged 36 or older: Roger Federer and Ken Rosewell.
The oldest men’s champions at French Open comprise an elite list of iconic players of the sport. Let us take a look at the top 5 oldest men’s champions at the Roland Garros.
The Swiss player Stan Wawrinka won the French Open when he was 30 years and 21 days. He defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals. Stan was a set down and then won the next three sets to claim his French open title. He reached a career-high. ranking of world number 3.
Laver is considered one of the greatest players to play the sport. He won the second title at the age of 33 years and 303 days defeating defending champion Ken Rosewall in the 1969 French Open finals. He won 11 major titles in his illustrious career.
Ken Rosewall the former Australian tennis player won his first French Open at the age of 19 and then won the French open at the age of 33 years and 220 days when he beat Rod Laver in the 1968 French Open finals. Rosewall won 2 French Open titles one made him one of the youngest players to win the title and the other made him one of the oldest players to win the title.
Rafael Nadal won his last French Open title in 2020 at the age of 34 years and 8 days.
Andres Gimeno is the oldest men’s champion at the Roland Garros. He won his title at the age of 34 years and 306 days. Gimeno won 41 singles titles in his entire career.
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