Sure, they're lucky to have Roland Garros and its clay surface, on which they can so comprehensively display their skills. But Roland Garros is very lucky to have them, too.

It has been an unforgettable year for Roland-Garros. The iconic clay courts at Stade Roland Garros hosted the French Open and the Summer Olympics. It also saw the retirement of its most famous player.

The court teemed with onlookers from start to finish to produce one of the biggest crowds at this year’s Rendez-vous à Roland-Garros, in partnership with Longines. The four permanent red-clay ...