Named after a true pioneer this is Court Simonne-Mathieu. It stands as the third-largest court at Roland Garros. After Central Philippe-Chatrier and Court Suzanne-Lenglen it is a unique tennis arena.
Simonne Mathieu was one of French tennis’ most iconic figures. She was born nearby in Neuilly sur Seine. She began playing tennis at age 12 because of ill health. Her brother encouraged her to take up the sport. He was a member of the Stade Français club.
By 1925 Simonne won the French Junior Championships. She competed in the French Open for the first time reaching the quarterfinals. Though she twice won the French Open her strength was on the doubles court. She won eleven major titles. Nine were in women’s doubles and two in mixed doubles. This made her France’s most decorated female tennis player. Only Suzanne Lenglen has more titles. The women’s doubles trophy at the French Open bears her name.
But there is even more to know about Simonne Mathieu.
Motherhood did not stop her tennis goals. Her globetrotting took her to half the countries in the world in fifteen years. In August 1939 she was to play the American Championships. But France and Britain declared war on Nazi Germany. She rushed home to join the resistance.
In 1940 Simonne signed up with the Auxiliary Territorial Service. This was the women’s branch of the British Army. She put her tennis career on hold to aid the war effort. She became a commanding officer in the French Women’s Volunteer Corps. In 1944 she marched up the Champs Elysées alongside General de Gaulle. This was when Paris was liberated.
Simonne was a passionate competitor. At the 1936 Wimbledon championships she threw her racquet down. She exclaimed that even this damned net is English. Its cord had sent the ball out of reach several times.
To celebrate France’s liberation a match was organized on September 17 1944. Henri Cochet and Yvon Pétra played. Simonne was in the umpire’s chair. It was a triumphant return to Roland-Garros.
Now let us talk about the unique characteristics of this court.
The Court Simonne-Mathieu totalizes a surface of 5300 m2. Its semi-buried architecture ensures harmonious integration. It merges with the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil. The court is 4.15 meters underground. The building rises only six meters. The top of the cap reaches eight meters.
The court is enclosed on four sides by botanical greenhouses. The greenhouses present botanical collections. They evoke flora from tropical zones. These zones include South America Africa Southeast Asia and Australia. Over 1000 plants representing over 500 species are here.
The greenhouses accommodate plants from different climates. Three are for a tropical environment. One is for the desert. Double glazing and external solar shading equip each greenhouse. This reduces energy use. The air flow is completely natural. The height difference between openings creates a stack effect. This ensures sufficient air change for the plants and visitors.
Fans can walk through gardens. These gardens contain plants from all corners of the world. The FFT president called this the most beautiful tennis stadium in the world.
The Court Simonne-Mathieu will forever be a reminder of a great champion. She was a champion on the court and a champion for her country.