The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is an annual tennis tournament held over two weeks in May and June. Established in 1891 and played since 1928 on outdoor red clay courts at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France, the French Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments played each year. It poses a unique challenge to players with its slower surface and higher bounce. Over the years, there have been many legendary players who have dominated the French Open, winning multiple titles and etching their names in tennis history. In this article, we will take a closer look at the players with the most French Open titles in men’s singles.
1. Rafael Nadal - 14 wins
When it comes to the French Open, one name stands out above all others, Rafael Nadal. The Spanish tennis superstar, often referred to as the “King of Clay,” has a remarkable record at Roland Garros. Nadal won a staggering 14 French Open titles. Nadal’s dominance on clay is unparalleled, and he has set numerous records at the French Open, including being the only player to have won the tournament 14 times in the Open Era. That’s why he comes at the first position in the list of the most French Open titles (Men). Nadal’s reign at the French Open began in 2005 when he won his first title at the age of 19, and he has since gone on to win 13 more titles, with his most recent triumph coming in 2022.
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2. Björn Borg - 6 wins
Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg is another player who has left an indelible mark on the history of the French Open. Borg won a total of 6 French Open titles during his illustrious career, all in years from 1974 to 1981. Borg’s cool and composed demeanor on the court earned him the nickname “Ice Man“. In addition, he was known for his exceptional consistency and mental toughness. Borg’s game was perfectly suited to the clay courts of Roland Garros, with his powerful baseline play, precise shot-making, and exceptional footwork. He was virtually unbeatable on clay during his prime. Borg’s 6 titles help him to hold the third position in the most French Open titles list.
3. Mats Wilander - 3 Wins
Mats Wilander etched his name into Roland Garros history in 1982 when, as an unseeded 17-year-old, he shocked the world to win the title. The Swedish maestro’s incredible baseline consistency, tactical intelligence, and legendary sportsmanship yielded two more trophies in 1985 and 1988, with his final Parisian triumph anchoring a spectacular three-Grand-Slam season that propelled him to World No. 1.
4. Ivan Lendl - 3 Wins
Ivan Lendl transformed the modern game at the French Open, breaking his Grand Slam maiden in 1984 by rallying from two sets down to defeat John McEnroe in an iconic final. Utilizing a punishing, heavy-topspin forehand and unprecedented physical conditioning, the Czechoslovak powerhouse went on to dominate the Parisian clay with consecutive title defenses in 1986 and 1987.
5. Gustavo Kuerten - 3 Wins
Gustavo "Guga" Kuerten brought pure charisma and a lethal one-handed backhand to Paris, capturing his first title in 1997 as a virtually unknown world No. 66. The vibrant Brazilian proved his clay-court mastery by winning consecutive championships in 2000 and 2001, famously celebrating his final triumph by drawing a giant heart in the Philippe-Chatrier clay to thank the adoring crowd.
6. Novak Djokovic - 3 Wins
Novak Djokovic’s three French Open titles cement his unparalleled versatility, achieved during the peak of Rafael Nadal’s clay-court dominance. He completed his career Grand Slam here in 2016 to hold all four majors simultaneously, conquered Paris again in 2021 by handing Nadal a rare semifinal defeat, and secured a then-historic 23rd Major title on the tournament's red clay in 2023.
