The French Open became part of the Open Era in 1968. That year’s tournament was the first French Open, and the first Grand Slam event anywhere, to allow professional players to compete alongside amateurs.
Before 1968, major tennis tournaments were divided by a strict amateur-professional split. Top professionals played on separate tours and were barred from the traditional Grand Slam championships, while the majors were officially reserved for amateurs. This divide weakened the sport’s competitive credibility because many of the world’s strongest players could not enter the biggest events.
The 1968 French Open was staged from 27 May to 9 June at Roland-Garros. Ken Rosewall won the men’s singles title, defeating Rod Laver, while Nancy Richey won the women’s singles title. Their tournament was historically important because it marked the beginning of a unified professional era in major tennis.
The word “Open” in the Open Era refers to eligibility, not the playing surface or the tournament’s name. The French Championships had existed for decades before 1968; the key change was that professionals were finally permitted to enter the Grand Slam competition.