Melbourne, 7 May 2012 | tennis.com.au

As we count down to French Open 2012, tennis.com.au will feature some of the best Australian achievements at Roland Garros. The highlights will be revealed in chronological order and when all 20 have been named, you get the chance to vote for your No.1 achievement.

1933: Jack Crawford becomes the first Australian to win the Roland Garros men’s singles title

Eight years after relaxing its requirement that entrants must belong to a French Club, Jack Crawford became just the second foreigner to claim the title and the first Australian to do so.

Stylish on court and off, Gentleman Jack was known for his fluid style and masterful control.

In the final, Crawford defeated local Henri Cochet – one of France’s famed “Four Muskateers”– in straight sets. Cochet was playing off for his sixth national title but it wasn’t to be, with the Australian triumphing 8-6 6-1 6-3.

It would be 20 years before another Australian victory on the Paris clay.

The number one player in 1933, Crawford came within one set of completing what would have been the first ever calendar year Grand Slam. After taking out the Australian, French and Wimbledon titles, it all came down to the US Championships.

An asthmatic, Crawford not only had to contend with the muggy conditions but also the great Fred Perry. After falling behind a set, Crawford struck back to take the next two. Needing just one more set to make history, Crawford faded and Perry took control and the match.

Crawford finished his career with four Australian Championships, and one each at Paris and Wimbledon. He also captured six doubles and five mixed doubles titles. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1979 and the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 1997.

Profile: Jack Crawford

Aussies at Roland Garros – the complete list to date

1933 Jack Crawford becomes the first Australian to win the Roland Garros men’s singles title.