The 1961 French Championships (now known as the French Open) was a tennis tournament that took place on the outdoor clay courts at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, France. The tournament ran from 15 May until 28 May. It was the 65th staging of the French Championships, and the second Grand Slam tennis event of 1961. Manuel Santana and Ann Haydon won the singles titles.
See main article: 1961 French Championships – Men's singles. 
Manuel Santana defeated 
Nicola Pietrangeli 4–6, 6–1, 3–6, 6–0, 6–2
See main article: 1961 French Championships – Women's singles. 
Ann Haydon defeated 
Yola Ramírez 6–2, 6–1
Roy Emerson / Rod Laver defeated Bob Howe / Bob Mark 3–6, 6–1, 6–1, 6–4
Sandra Reynolds / Renee Schuurman defeated 
Maria Bueno /
Darlene Hard walkover
Darlene Hard / Rod Laver defeated Vera Suková / Jirí Javorský 6–0, 2–6, 6–3