May 19th, 2009
What is the difference between Wimbledon and the French Open?
Tennis can sometimes be a little confusing. It truly is a world sport with an international following. What really makes each tournament so different? The two grand slam tournaments coming up are London’s Wimbledon and Paris’ French Open. Both are considered specialty events because of the surfaces they are played on.
The French Open is played on a clay court surface. The red clay surface is considered a real European specialty. American tennis players have not fared very well on the surface. Those that do well on the clay like Rafael Nadal etch their name in a storied history of clay court aficionados. Nadal is looking for his fourth clay court title this year. Whereas former world number one Roger Federer has yet to win a French Open title, the only grand slam title that eludes him.
Wimbledon is a grass court surface that has given Americans more success than its clay counterpart. American Wimbledon champions include John McEnroe, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors. Sampras won seven Wimbledon titles. Wimbledon Centre Court has become a place for American achievements, and for those who cannot compete on the clay court to thrive.
This season will be yet another to see who can outshine the other on the clay and grass courts.
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