He shares a distinction with Rafael Nadal as one of two players to win Roland-Garros on their first appearance.

And he was just 17. The year was 1982 when Mats Wilander began what would become a long, passionate love affair with the French crowds. Today still, the Swede never misses an edition of the Paris tournament, enlightening the media with his incredible understanding of the game. When he won his first title, although it was only his third Grand Slam tournament, Wilander took down Lendl, Gerulaitis, Clerc and Vilas, one by one. A strategist on the court and unsurpassed shot-maker, he definitively won over French fans when he agreed to replay a match point in the semifinals. When Jose Luis Clerc's forehand down the line was called "Out", the Argentine became agitated and Wilander, for whom the umpire had already called the match, asked to replay the point. The French will always have a place for him in their hearts, even when he defeated Leconte in the final in 1988. Throughout his career, Wilander, who was sometimes compared to a metronome, strived to develop a more well rounded game.. In addition to his three titles in Paris, he also won four other majors. Wimbledon is the only one missing from his trophy case, despite three quarter-finals. His biggest foes? Cash, Mecir and McEnroe ‒ not a bad group!

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