Exactly 20 years ago, Mary Pierce glided across the terre battue at Roland Garros to make history. She would become the first, and so far only, Frenchwoman to capture her home major in the Open era.

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With a serve up the tee, Pierce would defeat 1994 Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, 6–2, 7–5. Seeded No. 6, she would only give up 13 games in her first four matches and would fight off other champions such as Monica Seles and Martina Hingis.

Pierce's success on the famous red clay that fortnight didn't end on the singles court. She also took home the doubles trophy with Hingis, who she had beaten in the singles semifinals.

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"It's incredible to think that it's been 20 years, I can't believe it," Pierce said to Blair Henley during a International Tennis Hall of Fame live Facebook chat. "That's a lot of years that have gone by and I can't believe that it's been that many. It doesn't feel like it's been that long ago."

"You can only celebrate your 20-year anniversary of winning Roland Garros once in your life," Pierce said. "It's very special time in my life right now to be able to look back and remember all those amazing memories where my dream in tennis came true."

The French Open would be her second and final Grand Slam title after winning the 1995 Australian Open. During her career, she finished runner-up at the majors four times, and peaked at No. 3 in the world. Although Pierce is no longer on the court competing, between organizing ITF events and coaching, she finds herself busier than ever.

"I really feel that I want to do something that will have an impact globally, something that will touch people's hearts and lives for the better," Pierce said.

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She would have been recognized this past week at Roland Garros, but due the major has been rescheduled for September. Pierce is still celebrating from her home in Florida and is hopeful the rescheduled Grand Slam will happen.