British legend Fred Perry achieved many successes in his tennis career, but there was one that he was particularly proud of.

That was his 1935 triumph at the French Open, when he beat German Gottfried von Cramm. Von Cramm exacted revenge the following year, but no matter, the Englishman already had that title under his belt.

In 1937 another British competitor battled his way to the final, but Henry Austin was no match for another German, Henner Henkel, and was beaten in straight sets.

Since then, though, in terms of British men, there has not been one appearance in the French Open final, with a semi-final appearance by Tim Henman the only notable feat in recent years.

However, the British women have had rather more success at the French Open, having won the tournament nine times, with Margaret Scriven and Ann Jones taking the title twice.

Dorothy Holman was the first British winner in 1920 and then came Scriven's double in consecutive years - 1933 and 1934.

Britain had to wait 21 years for their next success, but then came a golden era as Angela Mortimer triumphed in 1955, Shirley Brasher lifted the trophy in 1957 and Christine Truman followed her in 1959.

Jones' titles arrived in 1961 and 1966, and the last British women's success was in 1976 when Sue Barker, now best known as a television presenter, claimed her sole Grand Slam trophy.