The 102nd French Open saw Juan Carlos Ferrero claim his only Grand Slam title and Justine Henin-Hardenne begin her run of seven Grand Slam victories.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 102nd French Open
- Dates
- May 26 – June 8, 2003
- Men's champion
- Juan Carlos Ferrero (first Grand Slam title)
- Women's champion
- Justine Henin-Hardenne (first of four French Open titles)
- Men's final result
- Ferrero def. Martin Verkerk
- Women's final result
- Henin-Hardenne def. Kim Clijsters in straight sets
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Defending champions Albert Costa (men's) and Serena Williams (women's) entered the 2003 French Open as title holders. Williams had won the previous four consecutive Grand Slam events, making her the dominant force in women's tennis heading into the tournament.
Held at Stade Roland Garros in Paris from May 26 to June 8, 2003, the tournament saw both defending champions eliminated in the semi-finals. Juan Carlos Ferrero defeated Martin Verkerk in the men's final, while Justine Henin-Hardenne overcame Serena Williams in the semi-final before defeating compatriot Kim Clijsters in straight sets in the final.
Ferrero secured his only Grand Slam title, while Henin-Hardenne launched a dominant clay-court era, eventually winning four French Open titles and seven Grand Slams in total. Williams's run of four consecutive Grand Slam victories was ended, and Clijsters narrowly missed her first major title.
Result
at Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France