French/American · Montreal, Canada · Born 15 January 1975A two-time Grand Slam champion of exceptional power — the first French woman to win the French Open since 1967, Pierce's 2000 Roland Garros triumph alongside her 1995 Australian Open title established her as one of the most powerful players of her era.
Mary Pierce was born in Montreal, Canada in 1975, of American-French heritage, and raised in Florida before representing France professionally — winning 2 Grand Slams and reaching world number one. She turned professional in 1989 and won the Australian Open in 1995 — defeating Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in a comprehensive final — and the French Open in 2000, defeating Conchita Martínez. She briefly reached world number one in 2000. She won 25 career titles with a 534-244 record. She reached the French Open final again in 2005, losing to Justine Henin. Her career was complicated by a difficult personal life — a restraining order against her father Jim Pierce, whose courtside conduct and verbal abuse was so notorious that the WTA eventually banned him from tour events. Her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive baseline game were ahead of her time in women's tennis. She represented France in the Billie Jean King Cup for over a decade, helping France win the title in 1997. Her combination of American athleticism and French tennis culture made her one of the most distinctive players of her generation.
She won the 2000 French Open singles title, defeating Conchita Martínez in the final to claim her second Grand Slam singles championship.
How They Played
Pierce was known for her aggressive baseline game built around powerful groundstrokes from both wings. She possessed one of the hardest-hitting forehands on the women's tour and could generate tremendous pace and depth from the baseline. Her physical strength and ability to hit winners from defensive positions made her a formidable opponent on all surfaces.
Lasting Impact
Pierce helped elevate French tennis during the 1990s and early 2000s, inspiring a generation of French players with her Grand Slam success.
Career Honours
- French Open 2000
- Australian Open 1995
- World No.1 2000 (briefly)
- French Open finalist 2005
- Billie Jean King Cup (France) 1997
- WTA Tournament of Champions 1997
French/American Athletes