When you think about South Africa’s impact on tennis, especially at the iconic French Open held every year at Roland Garros in Paris, it’s clear that their story is much more than just singles results.
While the nation hasn’t yet celebrated a men’s or women’s singles champion on the famous red clay, South African players have made an impressive mark, particularly in doubles competitions.
Near Misses in Men’s Singles History
South Africa’s quest for a men’s singles title at Roland Garros has been close but never quite reached the top spot.
Eric Sturgess came closest with two final appearances in 1947 and 1951 but was unable to clinch the trophy.
Ian Vermaak also reached the final in 1959 but had to settle for the runner-up position.
On the women’s singles side, South Africa has yet to produce a finalist since the tournament began way back in 1897.
Doubles Brilliance on the Parisian Clay
Where South Africa truly shines is in the doubles events, with a rich history of success and near victories.
Men’s Doubles Highlights
The men’s doubles have been a battleground for South African talent over many decades.
The duo of Vernon Kirby and Norman Farquharson made two final appearances in 1931 and 1937 but couldn’t quite secure the title.
Eric Sturgess, teaming with Eustace Fannin, lifted the trophy in 1947 and were runners-up again in 1949.
Sturgess also reached the final with Egypt’s Jaroslav Drobny in 1950 but finished second.
In the late 1950s and 1960s, Abe Segal reached two finals with different partners, narrowly missing out on the title.
Bob Hewitt, a legendary figure, tasted mixed success — runner-up in 1965 with Ken Fletcher but champion in 1972 alongside Frew McMillan.
The most recent South African men’s doubles final appearance came in 2009 when Wesley Moodie and Belgian Dick Norman finished as runners-up.
Women’s Doubles Success Stories
South African women have enjoyed the most success at Roland Garros in doubles.
The journey started early with Bobbie Heine and Alida Neave reaching the final in 1929.
Through the 1950s and early 1960s, players like Sandra Reynolds and Renee Schuurman dominated, winning titles in 1959, 1961, and 1962.
Schuurman returned to win again in 1963 with British partner Ann Haydon-Jones.
The late 1970s and early 1980s brought more glory with Rosalyn Fairbank-Nideffer and Tanya Harford winning in 1981, and Fairbank-Nideffer adding another title in 1983 with Candy Reynolds.
South Africa-Zimbabwe duo Liezel Huber and Cara Black made it to the final in 2005 but had to settle for second place.
Mixed Doubles Triumphs
South Africa’s success extends to mixed doubles, where champions have been crowned on multiple occasions.
Sheila Piercey-Summers and Eric Sturgess won in both 1947 and 1949.
Gordon Forbes lifted the trophy in 1955, and Renee Schuurman enjoyed wins in 1962 and several finals appearances with different partners.
The late 1960s and 1970s saw more titles with players like Annette van Zyl, Frew McMillan, Bob Hewitt, and Ilana Kloss all adding to South Africa’s mixed doubles legacy.
Success continued into the 1990s and early 2000s with Piet Norval and Katarina Srebotnik, and Mariaan de Swardt and David Adams securing back-to-back wins.
Looking Ahead: South Africa’s 2025 French Open Contingent
For the 2025 French Open, South Africa has one confirmed singles representative: Lloyd Harris, who battled through the qualifying rounds and is set to face Russian 17th seed Andrey Rublev in the main draw.
Unfortunately, there will be no South African women in the singles draw this year.
As of now, it’s unclear which South African players will take part in the men’s, women’s, or mixed doubles events for 2025.
Fans will be keeping a close eye to see if new doubles stars continue the proud tradition at Roland Garros.