Roland Garros 2001

It’s not over for Capriati!

This is the story of a child star. A little girl from Long Island who took her first steps holding a racquet as a rattle. Trained by her father, a former Italian/American boxer, Jennifer Capriati consumed all her opponents from her earliest days. Heavy strokes from the back of the court and phenomenal power quickly rendered her unbeatable. In 1989, the 13 year old kid took the Juniors tournament at Roland Garros and then the US Open. The following year, she became a professional and then became the youngest player in history to reach the semi finals at Roland Garros. “Jenny” rapidly became the idol of the public. And the media. But for this extraordinary champion, the pressure surrounding her quickly became too much. Even stifling. Jennifer was having trouble consolidating all the hopes that had been placed in her. She then drifted for a while ... Between 1994 and 1996, the American sank into depression and supplied the headlines with plenty of material. Was she all finished with tennis? Not at all! Jennifer Capriati did not intend to let her destiny slip by. After being in the depths of despair for a long time, she refound some glimmers of hope. 2001 was brilliant. After an initial Grand Slam title won in Melbourne in January, Capriati shone at Roland Garros where she took advantage of the below-average performances of the favourites such as Amélie Mauresmo, eliminated in the first round. The way was therefore open for the American who faced Kim Clijsters in the final. After a flying start from the Belgian who did not want to disappoint Princess Mathilde of Belgium, present in the presidential box. Once again, after the disappointing blow of that first set (1-6), Jenny was reborn from her ashes. Her forehand began to produce wonders. Her strokes, deeper, enabled her to win the second set (6-4). The last act was like one written by Dante. The third set was the longest ever fought in the history of the women’s scene. Breathless suspense. Jennifer Capriati, physically fresher, eventually took it 12-10. The public could only bow before this resurrection of which sport alone has the secret.