Créé par Romane, le 20 juin 2026
Votre guide Ryo
Roland-Garros: Who is behind the name of this international tournament?
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When we mention the name Roland Garros, we obviously think of the famous tennis tournament. But what do you know about the man behind the name? Did you know he was from Réunion? An aviator? And that he played not tennis, but rugby! Let's set things straight and let me introduce you to the great Roland Garros.
A free childhood
Young Roland was born in Saint-Denis in 1888. He spent part of his youth in Vietnam where his lawyer father had opened a practice, before being sent to France for his studies. He was only twelve years old and found himself thrust into mainland France all alone and in total autonomy. Perhaps that's why he would be so resourceful in life! He discovered a passion for sports, particularly cycling and later rugby. A graduate of HEC, he also learned mechanics and motorsports. Since he didn't want to follow the family's legal vocation, his father cut off his allowance! No matter, Roland was a free and ingenious man. He designed a sports car, became a business owner at 21, and could finally stand on his own two feet. And it was in 1909, when he attended the great aviation week of Champagne, that he discovered what would become the passion of his life: aviation. His fortune acquired through his flourishing automobile business allowed him to afford the cheapest but also, consequently, the most dangerous flying machine: the Demoiselle Santos-Dumont, also nicknamed the man-killer. At that time, flight schools didn't exist. Enthusiasts and daredevils, who were often the same people, learned on their own, at their own risk.
A hero who made history
He went to the United States and Mexico to participate in air shows. He was nicknamed the cloud kisser. In France, he became a hero after winning the Grand Prix of the Anjou circuit and went down in history after successfully completing the first crossing of the Mediterranean. When war broke out in 1914, he enlisted and excelled as an air pilot. But on April 18, 1915, his plane was hit and he was taken prisoner in Germany. He managed to escape disguised as an officer and return to France where he received the Legion of Honor. But on October 5, 1918, five weeks before the Armistice and the day before his 30th birthday, his plane exploded in the air before crashing in the Ardennes. A short life that nevertheless seems very long and so full!
Why a tennis stadium?
Actually, it all started with Emile Lesieur, a friend of Roland's from HEC. One day, Emile became the new president of the prestigious Stade Français association. At that time, a new court had to be built to host the Davis Cup. He then ordered that this stadium take the name of his deceased friend. It was non-negotiable. That's how the name of one of France's greatest aviators became forever linked to tennis!
In conclusion
Roland Garros, before being associated with one of the most anticipated tournaments by tennis players worldwide, is above all the name of one of the most important figures in aviation history. A man from Réunion who committed himself alongside France to fight the enemy, innovate aircraft, but who also had the courage to cross the Mediterranean Sea for the first time! A hero, indeed...