Yannick Noah is the only Frenchman to win the Roland Garros title in the Open Era, and he’s also built a remarkable career as a musician.
France has produced many outstanding tennis players in both the men’s and women’s circuits. However, it remains a fascinating historical note that since the Open Era began in 1968, only one Frenchman has won the coveted Roland Garros men’s singles title: Yannick Noah. Known for his remarkable versatility across surfaces, Noah particularly excelled on clay courts, where he etched his name in history.
The son of a professional soccer player and the father of an NBA standout, Noah’s life story is shaped not only by sports but also by music and a vibrant personality that keeps him in the spotlight at 64 years old.
Noah turned pro in 1977 at the age of 17 and made an immediate impact, winning the Mixed Doubles title at Roland Garros that same year alongside American Mary Carillo.
His crowning achievement came in 1983 when he defeated Sweden’s Mats Wilander to claim the Roland Garros singles title. A year later, he added the Men’s Doubles title with fellow Frenchman Henri Leconte, further cementing his legacy at the Parisian Grand Slam.