What Is 2013 French Open - Women's singles

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 French Open – Women's Singles was won by Serena Williams, who defeated Maria Sharapova 6–4, 6–4 in the final on June 8, 2013. This victory marked Williams' second French Open title and her 16th Grand Slam singles title overall.

Key Facts

Serena Williams won the 2013 French Open – Women's Singles title by defeating Maria Sharapova 6–4, 6–4 in the final.
The final took place on June 8, 2013, at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France.
This was Serena Williams' second French Open title, her first having come in 2002.
The win marked her 16th Grand Slam singles title, moving her closer to the all-time leaders.
Williams did not lose a set throughout the entire tournament, showcasing dominant clay-court form.

Overview

The 2013 French Open – Women's Singles tournament was a pivotal moment in Serena Williams' storied career. Held at the iconic Stade Roland Garros in Paris, the event spanned from May 26 to June 8, 2013, and featured the world's top female tennis players competing on red clay courts. As the second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open is renowned for its physical demands and strategic depth, making it a critical test for any champion.

This year’s edition was particularly significant due to Williams’ dominant performance throughout the fortnight. She entered the tournament as the sixth seed but quickly established herself as the player to beat. Her path to the title included victories over several top-10 opponents, culminating in a commanding final against Maria Sharapova, a former French Open champion.

Serena Williams claimed her second French Open title, having previously won in 2002, ending a 11-year gap between Paris triumphs.
The final score was 6–4, 6–4 in favor of Williams, marking a decisive win over Sharapova without dropping a set.
Williams did not lose a single set during the entire tournament, winning all seven matches in straight sets.
She defeated Victoria Azarenka in the semifinals, ending a three-match losing streak against the world No. 1 at the time.
This victory marked her 16th Grand Slam singles title, placing her just behind Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova in the all-time rankings.

Performance Breakdown

Williams’ route to the title showcased her dominance on clay, a surface once considered less favorable for her aggressive style. Her ability to adapt with improved footwork, consistency, and powerful serving made her nearly unstoppable throughout the event. Each round revealed tactical refinements that silenced critics who doubted her clay-court prowess.

First Round: Williams defeated Galina Voskoboeva 6–2, 6–1, demonstrating early control and precision.
Second Round: She overcame Carla Suárez Navarro 6–1, 6–1, maintaining relentless pressure from the baseline.
Third Round: A straight-sets win over Yaroslava Shvedova 6–3, 6–2 highlighted her defensive improvements.
Fourth Round: Williams beat Lucie Šafářová 6–4, 6–1, recovering from early pressure to dominate the second set.
Quarterfinals: She defeated Sara Errani, the previous year’s finalist, 6–1, 6–3, with aggressive net play and deep returns.
Semifinals: Her 6–4, 6–1 win over Victoria Azarenka was pivotal, avenging recent losses and restoring confidence.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing Williams’ 2013 French Open performance to her previous Grand Slam results reveals a peak in consistency and mental toughness. The table below highlights key statistics from her 2013 title run.

Statistic	2013 French Open	2002 French Open	2010 French Open
Result	Champion	Champion	Semifinalist
Final Opponent	Maria Sharapova	Virginia Ruano Pascual	Francesca Schiavone
Final Score	6–4, 6–4	7–5, 6–3	N/A
Sets Lost	0	1	3
Aces Served	47	22	31

The data shows a significant evolution in Williams’ clay-court game. In 2013, she was more aggressive and efficient, winning more free points on serve and minimizing unforced errors. Her fitness and mental focus allowed her to maintain peak performance across all seven matches, unlike in 2010 when fatigue and inconsistency led to an early exit.

Why It Matters

The 2013 French Open victory solidified Serena Williams’ legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Beyond the trophy, it demonstrated her ability to master every surface and overcome personal and professional challenges. This win was a cornerstone in her dominant 2013 season, which included three other Grand Slam titles.

Winning without dropping a set underscored her physical dominance and tactical maturity on clay.
The title elevated her to 16 Grand Slam singles titles, narrowing the gap with Steffi Graf’s 22.
It marked her first career Grand Slam in doubles with sister Venus, adding context to her 2013 success.
Williams became the oldest woman in the Open Era to win the French Open at 31 years, 193 days.
The win boosted her confidence ahead of Wimbledon and the US Open, which she also won in 2013.
This performance redefined perceptions about age and athleticism in women’s professional tennis.

Serena Williams’ 2013 French Open triumph was not just a personal milestone but a transformative moment in the sport. It highlighted her resilience, adaptability, and enduring excellence, setting the stage for another historic chapter in her career.