The 2003 French Open was the second Grand Slam event of 2003 and the 102nd edition of the French Open. It took place at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France, from May 26 through June 8, 2003.
Both Albert Costa and Serena Williams were unsuccessful in their title defences, both being defeated in the semi-finals by eventual champions Juan Carlos Ferrero and Justine Henin-Hardenne respectively. Ferrero won his first Grand Slam title, defeating Martin Verkerk in the final, and Henin-Hardenne, who had previously won the event in 1997 as a junior, won after defeating Serena Williams, who had won the previous four Grand Slam events, in the semi-final and compatriot and rival Kim Clijsters in the final in straight sets. For Henin-Hardenne, it was the first of seven Grand Slam titles, and the first of four French Open titles.
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“But compared with the task of selecting a piece of French pastry held by an impatient waiter a move in chess is like reaching for a salary check in its demand on the contemplative faculties.”
—Robert Benchley (1889–1945)
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—Joseph Conrad (1857–1924)