Roland Garros Rewind May 28, 2021

French Open Flashback: 20 years ago, Capriati wins title

2021 marks the 20th anniversary of Jennifer Capriati's run to the 2001 Roland Garros crown. Look back at her championship story in photos.

Twenty years ago, Jennifer Capriati won the women's singles title at 2001 Roland Garros for her second consecutive Grand Slam crown. — 01 /09

Twenty years ago, Jennifer Capriati won the women's singles title at 2001 Roland Garros for her second consecutive Grand Slam crown.

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Capriati was on the heels of a breakthrough run to her first Grand Slam title at the 2001 Australian Open. The American came into Paris seeded No.4, then a career-best seeding at a major. — 02 /09

Capriati was on the heels of a breakthrough run to her first Grand Slam title at the 2001 Australian Open. The American came into Paris seeded No.4, then a career-best seeding at a major.

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She stormed through her first four matches of the event without dropping a set, including wins over Mirjana Lucic and No.16 seed Meghann Shaughnessy. — 03 /09

She stormed through her first four matches of the event without dropping a set, including wins over Mirjana Lucic and No.16 seed Meghann Shaughnessy.

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After reaching the elite eight, Capriati had to beat three current or future World No.1 players in a row. First came a 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 quarterfinal victory over No.6 seed Serena Williams. — 04 /09

After reaching the elite eight, Capriati had to beat three current or future World No.1 players in a row. First came a 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 quarterfinal victory over No.6 seed Serena Williams.

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In the semifinals, a rematch of the 2001 Australian Open final took place, and Capriati got the better of No.1 seed Martina Hingis. Capriati won 6-4, 6-3, to book her spot in the Roland Garros final. — 05 /09

In the semifinals, a rematch of the 2001 Australian Open final took place, and Capriati got the better of No.1 seed Martina Hingis. Capriati won 6-4, 6-3, to book her spot in the Roland Garros final.

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Capriati faced No.12 seed Kim Clijsters in the championship match. The Belgian, playing in her first-ever Grand Slam final the day after her 18th birthday, dominated Capriati in the opening set. — 06 /09

Capriati faced No.12 seed Kim Clijsters in the championship match. The Belgian, playing in her first-ever Grand Slam final the day after her 18th birthday, dominated Capriati in the opening set.

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However, Capriati fought back to win the second set, then won a marathon third to take the title 1-6, 6-4, 12-10. This is still the longest deciding set in terms of games in a Roland Garros women's singles final. — 07 /09

However, Capriati fought back to win the second set, then won a marathon third to take the title 1-6, 6-4, 12-10. This is still the longest deciding set in terms of games in a Roland Garros women's singles final.

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Following her title in Paris, Capriati would eventually reach World No.1 for the first time in October of that year. She would go on to win her third Grand Slam title by successfully defending her Australian Open crown in 2002. — 08 /09

Following her title in Paris, Capriati would eventually reach World No.1 for the first time in October of that year. She would go on to win her third Grand Slam title by successfully defending her Australian Open crown in 2002.

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Capriati played her final season in 2004, finishing her career with 14 WTA singles titles and 17 weeks ranked World No.1. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2012. — 09 /09

Capriati played her final season in 2004, finishing her career with 14 WTA singles titles and 17 weeks ranked World No.1. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2012.

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