What Is 1980 French Open - Women's Singles

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1980 French Open Women's Singles was won by Chris Evert, who defeated Mima Jaušovec in the final with a score of 6–0, 6–3. This victory marked Evert's fifth French Open title, tying her with Suzanne Lenglen for the most women's singles titles at the time.

Key Facts

Chris Evert won the 1980 French Open Women's Singles title on June 7, 1980.
She defeated Mima Jaušovec of Yugoslavia in the final with a score of 6–0, 6–3.
This was Evert's fifth French Open singles title, matching Suzanne Lenglen's record.
Evert did not lose a single set throughout the entire tournament.
The final was held at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France.

Overview

The 1980 French Open Women's Singles tournament was a landmark event in tennis history, held at Stade Roland Garros in Paris from May 26 to June 7, 1980. Chris Evert, representing the United States, claimed her fifth title at the clay-court Grand Slam, defeating Mima Jaušovec of Yugoslavia in dominant fashion.

Evert's performance underscored her dominance on clay, where her consistency and baseline precision made her nearly unbeatable. This victory solidified her status as one of the greatest female players of the era and marked a personal milestone in her Grand Slam career.

Chris Evert won the title on June 7, 1980, defeating Mima Jaušovec 6–0, 6–3 in the final, showcasing her peak form on clay.
Evert dropped no sets during the entire tournament, a rare feat that highlighted her dominance and physical conditioning throughout the fortnight.
This was her fifth French Open singles title, tying her with Suzanne Lenglen for the most women's singles titles in the tournament's history at the time.
The final lasted just 58 minutes, one of the shortest in French Open history, due to Evert's aggressive baseline play and Jaušovec's unforced errors.
Mima Jaušovec, the 1977 French Open champion, reached her second final but was overwhelmed by Evert's precision and court coverage.

How It Works

The French Open Women's Singles is a Grand Slam tennis tournament played annually on outdoor red clay courts, featuring a 128-player draw with seven rounds of single elimination. The 1980 edition followed this standard format, culminating in a decisive final between two top-ranked players.

Grand Slam Tournament: The French Open is one of the four major tennis events each year, offering ranking points, prize money, and prestige to the winner.
Clay-Court Surface: The red clay at Roland Garros slows the ball and promotes longer rallies, favoring players with strong endurance and topspin.
Single-Elimination Format: Players must win seven consecutive matches; a loss at any stage eliminates them from title contention.
Seeding System: Top players like Evert were seeded to avoid early matchups, ensuring stronger contenders met in later rounds.
Prize Money: In 1980, the women's singles champion earned approximately 100,000 French francs, a significant sum at the time.
Historical Record: Wins at the French Open are recorded in official Grand Slam archives, contributing to a player's legacy and all-time rankings.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Chris Evert's 1980 French Open performance with other notable editions of the tournament:

Year	Champion	Runner-Up	Final Score	Notable Fact
1980	Chris Evert	Mima Jaušovec	6–0, 6–3	Evert won without dropping a set; fifth title.
1975	Chris Evert	Martina Navratilova	2–6, 6–4, 6–1	First of Evert's five French Open titles.
1977	Mima Jaušovec	Virginia Ruzici	6–2, 6–7, 6–1	Jaušovec became the first Yugoslav to win a Grand Slam.
1979	Wendy Turnbull	Chris Evert	6–3, 6–3	Evert lost in the semifinals, ending a four-year title streak.
1983	Chris Evert	Mima Jaušovec	6–1, 6–2	Evert won her seventh French Open title, a record at the time.

This table illustrates Evert's consistency and dominance at Roland Garros over the decade. Her 1980 victory was part of a broader legacy that redefined women's clay-court tennis, setting benchmarks for future champions.

Why It Matters

The 1980 French Open Women's Singles final was more than just a match—it was a defining moment in tennis history that highlighted the evolution of women's sports and the rise of American dominance in Grand Slam tennis. Evert's performance demonstrated the importance of mental toughness, physical endurance, and strategic play on challenging surfaces.

Evert tied a historical record by winning her fifth French Open, matching Suzanne Lenglen’s legacy and elevating her own status in tennis lore.
The match showcased American excellence in women’s tennis during the late 1970s and 1980s, alongside players like Navratilova and Billie Jean King.
Clay-court mastery became a benchmark for future players, with Evert’s style influencing generations of baseline-oriented competitors.
Media coverage increased for women’s tennis, thanks to dominant performances like Evert’s, helping grow the sport globally.
The 1980 final was one of the fastest in French Open history, emphasizing Evert’s efficiency and precision under pressure.
Historical significance of the match endures, as it is frequently cited in discussions about the greatest performances in Grand Slam history.

Ultimately, the 1980 French Open Women's Singles tournament remains a testament to Chris Evert's skill, discipline, and enduring impact on the sport of tennis.