Arena coquette Simone Mathieu played perhaps the most exciting match of the Roland Garros 2023 women’s tournament. On both sides were Grand Slam winners Victoria Azarenka and Bianca Andreescu. The result was a spectacular game lasting two hours and 30 minutes, the victory was won by a player of Romanian origin (2-6, 6-3, 6-4).

>> Roland Garros: Bianca Andreescu, victory over the former world leader

Bianca Andreescu advances to second round of Roland Garros after thriller with Victoria Azarenka

The last match of the day at the “greenhouse arena” brought two sportswomen who together have three Grand Slam titles (Vika at AO 2012 and 2013, and Bianca at the US Open 2019) to Paris soil.

The match had everything: twists and turns (Vika led 1-0 in sets), spectacular shots from both sides, an offensive recital, excitement in the stands, drama and a bit of melodrama.

Every inch of the pitch, every attacking position was fiercely contested, and the range of shots was impressive (accurate, crowd-pleasing short shots, short-angled side-kicks, impeccably executed volleys).

The main goal of both athletes was to attack, and the fans present got the expected show.

Why the puppeteer?

I arrived at the Simonne Mathieu arena with a clear and very selfish mind at the end of the day. I wanted one thing at a time: for it to be a spectacular game, for there to be drama, for a decisive set and to end up playing in the spotlight (this stadium is very beautiful). Of course I know, I’m not picky either. It is hard to imagine such a scenario, but it is not impossible, given the tender poster.

Since everything ended in a hurry, from the height of the tribune, which seemed to descend above the players, I felt like a puppeteer: I “maneuvered” Vika and Bianka until the realization of my selfish opinion.

Why Bianca?

This is the part of the title with the simplest explanation: Bianca played like the good old days, she didn’t quit, she fell, she split, she fought, she attacked, she hoped and won after a match that could help her get back there, where she hasn’t been since the US Open 2019 (and what a final she managed against Serena Williams at the Arthur Ashe).

Why “The Story of Benjamin Button”

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a 2008 film (as if you didn’t know) in which Brad Pitt gets rejuvenated as far as the eye can see. And what does this have to do with our match?

We saw version 2.0 of the former WTA leader in the Simonne Mathieu arena. Vika does not seem to age: physically, she looks very good, and her 33 years gracefully hide them at passport control.

It came from the high stands of Vika in Melbourne, who won the trophy at Rod Laver Arena in 2012 and 2013 (again, only in appearance, because the Azarenka of 10 years ago was difficult to beat even Serena).

>> Bianca Andreescu and the emotional explanation of the spectacular comeback from the match with Victoria Azarenka