1953 French Championships (tennis) 1953 French Championships (tennis) The 1953 French Championships (now known as the French Open) was a tennis tournament that took place on the outdoor clay courts at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, France. The tournament ran from 19 May until 30 May. It was the 57th staging of the French Championships, and the second Grand Slam tennis event of 1953. Ken Rosewall and Maureen Connolly won the singles titles. Ken Rosewall defeated Vic Seixas 6–3, 6–4, 1–6, 6–2 Maureen Connolly defeated Doris Hart 6–2, 6–4 Lew Hoad / Ken Rosewall defeated Mervyn Rose / Clive Wilderspin 6–2, 6–1, 6–1 Doris
Clay court Clay court A clay court is one of many different types of tennis court. Clay courts are made of crushed shale, stone, brick, or other unbound mineral aggregates. The French Open uses clay courts, making it unique among the Grand Slam tournaments. Clay courts are more common in Continental Europe and Latin America than in North America, Asia or Britain. Two main types exist: red clay, the more common variety, and green clay, also known as "rubico", which is a harder surface. Although less expensive to construct than other types of tennis courts, the maintenance costs of clay are high