The French Open, with its iconic red clay courts, has been the battleground for some of tennis’s most memorable moments. While stars like Nadal, Federer, and Evert have etched their names into Roland Garros folklore, there are numerous athletes whose performances have not received the acclaim they deserve. This article aims to shine a light on the top 10 most underrated players in French Open history, delving deep into their contributions and the unique aspects of their games that made them special yet overlooked.
10. Nicolas Almagro
Among the most underrated players in French Open history, Nicolas Almagro stands out for his fierce competitiveness and clay-court expertise. Almagro, a Spanish tennis player known for his powerful serve and heavy topspin forehand, made significant strides at Roland Garros. Despite reaching the quarterfinals three times (2008, 2010, and 2012), his achievements have often been overshadowed by his more famous compatriots.
- Clay Court Expertise: Almagro’s game was tailor-made for clay, utilizing heavy topspin and a lethal baseline game that allowed him to dominate on slower surfaces.
- Consistency at Roland Garros: His consistent ability to reach the deep stages of the French Open underscores his skill and adaptation to clay, which many other players struggle with.
- Underappreciated Skillset: Despite his power and precision, Almagro’s talent has often been underrated, with much of the focus diverted to other Spanish players.
9. Fabrice Santoro
Fabrice Santoro, nicknamed “The Magician,” was known for his creative playstyle and tactical intelligence, traits that made him one of the most underrated players in French Open history. His ability to confound opponents with an array of spins and slices made him a formidable adversary on clay.
- Innovative Style: Santoro’s unique use of two-handed strokes on both sides gave his game a level of unpredictability that was hard to counter on the slow clay courts.
- Achievements at Roland Garros: While he never advanced past the fourth round, his performances were often close, with matches against higher-ranked opponents that showcased his skill and strategic acumen.
- Legacy of Creativity: His influence extends beyond wins and losses, as Santoro inspired a generation of players to think differently about their approach to the game.
8. Albert Costa
Albert Costa’s 2002 French Open victory is a highlight of his career, yet his overall prowess on clay makes him one of the most underrated players in French Open history. Costa’s ability to handle the physical demands of clay court tennis, coupled with his mental toughness, made him a persistent threat at Roland Garros.
- 2002 Champion: Costa’s triumph in 2002 was a testament to his endurance and skill, culminating in a remarkable win over Juan Carlos Ferrero.
- Consistent Performer: Beyond his championship year, Costa consistently reached the later rounds at the French Open, proving his capabilities on clay.
- Underrated Throughout Career: Despite his success, Costa often remained in the shadow of more media-centric players, making his achievements somewhat overlooked.
7. Anastasia Myskina
Anastasia Myskina, the 2004 French Open women’s singles champion, marked her place in history as the first Russian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title. Myskina’s victory at Roland Garros was a landmark achievement, yet she remains one of the most underrated players in French Open history.
- Historic 2004 Victory: Her win in 2004 was not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for Russian tennis, opening the door for other Russian players to succeed on the global stage.
- Tactical Intelligence: Myskina was known for her strategic play, utilizing a mix of speed and precision to outmaneuver her opponents on clay.
- Lack of Recognition: Despite her Grand Slam title, Myskina’s career achievements have often been overshadowed by other contemporaries, underestimating her impact on the sport.
6. Gaston Gaudio
Gaston Gaudio’s dramatic 2004 French Open victory is one of the most unforgettable moments in tennis history. However, despite this achievement, he is often overlooked when discussing great clay court players, making him one of the most underrated players in French Open history.
- Epic 2004 Victory: Gaudio’s comeback from two sets down in the 2004 final against Guillermo Coria showcased not just his skill but his incredible heart and determination.
- Clay Court Specialist: His ability to navigate the nuances of clay court play, with a strong baseline game and effective topspin, made him a formidable opponent at Roland Garros.
- Underappreciated Champion: Even with a Grand Slam title, Gaudio’s broader career and skill on clay have not been fully appreciated in the annals of tennis history.
Read More: The Greatest French Open Matches of All Time
5. Iva Majoli
Iva Majoli, the Croatian tennis star, caused one of the biggest upsets in French Open history by defeating Martina Hingis in the 1997 final. Despite this incredible achievement, Majoli is rarely mentioned among the top players of her era, solidifying her status as one of the most underrated players in French Open history.
- 1997 French Open Champion: Majoli’s victory was not only a personal triumph but also a significant upset over the then-dominant Hingis.
- Aggressive Clay Court Play: Known for her aggressive approach and powerful shots, Majoli’s game was well-suited to the demands of clay, which requires both power and precision.
- Overshadowed by Contemporaries: Despite her success, Majoli’s career has often been overshadowed by other dominant figures of her time, leaving her contributions underappreciated.
4. Fernando Gonzalez
Chilean powerhouse Fernando Gonzalez, known for his thunderous forehand, reached the semifinals of the French Open in 2009. His explosive style and ability to generate incredible power made him a dangerous opponent on clay, yet he remains one of the most underrated players in French Open history.
- Powerful Forehand: Gonzalez’s forehand, one of the most formidable weapons in tennis, was particularly effective on clay, allowing him to dictate play and overpower opponents.
- 2009 Semifinalist: His deep run in 2009, combined with several impressive performances in other years, highlights his consistency and threat on clay.
- Undervalued Legacy: Despite his abilities and achievements, Gonzalez’s impact and skill level on clay are often overlooked in discussions about the great clay court players.
3. Thomas Muster
Austrian tennis star Thomas Muster, a former world No. 1 and the 1995 French Open champion, was one of the dominant clay court players of his era. Known as “The King of Clay” before the emergence of Rafael Nadal, Muster’s ferocious competitiveness and physical style of play made him a legend on clay, yet he is frequently left out of conversations about the all-time greats.
- 1995 French Open Champion: Muster’s victory in 1995 was the pinnacle of his career, showcasing his endurance and mastery of clay court tactics.
- Dominant Clay Court Season: In 1995, he won an astounding 12 titles, most of them on clay, demonstrating his dominance on the surface during that period.
- Underrecognized Achievements: Despite his formidable record and number one ranking, Muster’s achievements have not received the widespread recognition they deserve, partly due to the era he competed in.
2. Samantha Stosur
Australian tennis player Samantha Stosur, known for her powerful serve and heavy topspin, is one of the most underrated players in French Open history. Her performance on clay, highlighted by reaching the final in 2010, demonstrated her ability to utilize her physical game to great effect on the surface.
- 2010 French Open Finalist: Stosur’s run to the final in 2010 included victories over several top players, showcasing her skill and adaptability on clay.
- Effective Clay Court Game: Her heavy topspin and high-kicking serve were tailor-made for clay, allowing her to control points and trouble even the best players.
- Overlooked Career: Despite her success, Stosur’s achievements, particularly at Roland Garros, have not captured as much attention as those of some of her peers.
1. Guillermo Coria
Argentinian Guillermo Coria, the runner-up in the 2004 French Open, was one of the most talented clay court players of his generation. Known for his speed, agility, and precision, Coria’s ability to dominate on clay was unmatched during his peak years. However, his failure to win a Grand Slam and a dramatic loss in the 2004 final have overshadowed his true abilities, making him the most underrated player in French Open history.
- 2004 French Open Runner-Up: Coria’s near-victory in 2004 was one of the most heart-wrenching moments in tennis, as he came within two points of the title before physical issues hampered his play.
- Master of Clay: His exceptional movement and strategic mind made him a formidable opponent on clay, capable of outplaying anyone on his day.
- Underappreciated Talent: Despite his clear talent and a career marked by consistent success on clay, Coria’s legacy is often viewed through the lens of his 2004 French Open loss, rather than his overall skill and achievements.
Conclusion
The French Open has been a stage for numerous tennis greats to showcase their talent, but it has also been a platform where many have not received the recognition they deserved. The players listed here represent just a fraction of the talent that has graced the clay courts of Roland Garros, each with unique skills and memorable performances. By celebrating the most underrated players in French Open history, we pay homage to their contributions and ensure that their legacies are remembered alongside the more celebrated champions. These athletes have shown that greatness on the clay courts of Paris is not only about winning titles but also about the spirit, skill, and heart shown in the pursuit of tennis excellence.
