Justine Henin, the Match of a Lifetime: 20 Years Later

Feature Docs

Run Time

73'

Year of Production

2023

Producer

RTBF

Pitch

20 years after her first victory at Roland Garros, Justine Henin returns to the Parisian clay of her triumphs accompanied by Ophélie Fontana and Benjamin Deceuninck.

For Justine, that final against her compatriot and rival, Kim Clijsters, was much more than just a tennis match; it was an opportunity to fulfill the promise she had made to her mother who had passed away far too soon! Even today, all Belgians remember the intense moment of emotion at the end of the match.

Now a mother herself, and free from any pressure, Justine speaks candidly about a life that has been far more complicated than that match against Kim.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of the greatest moments in Belgian sports history, Ophélie Fontana and Benjamin Deceuninck have planned a series of surprises for the woman who would go on to dominate world tennis.

Among those who will appear at Roland Garros are her friend Vincent Taloche, Luc Bodart, the coach she hadn't seen in 25 years, Michel Lecomte, her confidant, and Pascal Obispo, of whom Justine is the biggest fan.

Patrick Bruel, Eddy Merckx, Salvatore Adamo, and Belgians from the three regions of the country will also pay tribute to her.

Thanks to Justine, who holds nearly all the keys to Roland Garros, we will have the privilege of accessing areas normally off-limits to the general public. Finally, during this program, our champion will reveal to Ophélie Fontana some of the secrets of her famous backhand—which John McEnroe called "the most beautiful in the world"—before facing Benjamin Deceuninck, who will thus be able to boast of having played against Justine at Roland Garros!

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