ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
Who was Simonne Mathieu ?
Find out who Simonne Mathieu was, whose name was given to the new tennis court of Roland-Garros
Highlights
1935
England’s Fred Perry takes a four-set final over title-holder Gottfried von Cramm. In the women’s, Hilde Sperling takes the trophy on the Parisian clay for what would be the first of many!
1936
Jean Borotra wins his last title at the age of 38, in the men’s doubles alongside Marcel Bernard. The men’s and women’s singles are won by Gottfried von Cramm and Hilde Sperling.
1937
Germany’s Hilde Sperling wins a third consecutive title, defeating France’s Simonne Mathieu for the third time in a row. In the men’s singles, Germany’s Henner Henkel follows on from his compatriot Gottfried von Cramm.
1938
In his one and only appearance, America’s Donald Budge takes home the title en route to the first Grand Slam in the history of tennis. After losing no fewer than six finals, France’s Simonne Mathieu finally wins the women’s title.
1939
The men’s final is 100% American for the first time, with William McNeill defeating Bobby Riggs. Simonne Mathieu wins her second women’s title in a row at the Porte d’Auteuil.