Women first competed at the French Championships in 1897. The inaugural women’s singles event had four entries and formed part of the early Championnat de France, the tournament now known as the French Open.
The French Championships began in 1891, but they were initially restricted to members of French tennis clubs. The competition was staged at different Paris venues before moving to the Stade Roland Garros in 1928. Women’s doubles was added later, in 1907, while mixed doubles began in 1902.
The 1897 women’s singles title was won by Adine Masson, who became the event’s leading early champion. She won five national titles between 1897 and 1903, a record from the club-restricted era.
A common mix-up is 1925, when the championships opened to international players, or 1968, when professionals were admitted and the tournament entered the Open Era. Neither date marks the beginning of women’s competition.