Biography:
Monica Seles (pronounced [ˈmoselɛʃ]) is a former world No. 1 tennis player who represented Yugoslavia and the United States. She won nine major singles titles, eight of them as a teenager while representing Yugoslavia, and the final one while representing the United States. Seles was born on December 2, 1973, in Yugoslavia to an ethnic Hungarian family.
Seles began playing tennis at the age of five, coached by her father, Karolj, a professional cartoonist. Her father drew pictures for her to make her tennis more fun and is responsible for developing her two-handed style for both the forehand and backhand. At the age of 11, Seles won the Junior Orange Bowl tournament in Miami, Florida, catching the attention of tennis coach Nick Bollettieri.
In early 1986, Seles and her brother Zoltán moved from Yugoslavia to the United States, and she enrolled at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. She trained at the academy for two years before making her professional debut at the age of 14 in 1988. Seles quickly rose through the ranks and became the youngest-ever French Open champion at the age of 16 in 1990.
From 1990 to 1992, Seles dominated women’s tennis. She won eight major singles titles before her 20th birthday and was the year-end No. 1 in 1991 and 1992. Her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style revolutionized the women’s game. Seles was known for her signature two-handed shots from both sides and exceptional footwork.
However, tragedy struck Seles on April 30, 1993, during a match in Hamburg, Germany. An obsessed fan of Seles’ rival Steffi Graf stabbed her in the back with a 9-inch knife as she was sitting down between games. The incident left Seles severely traumatized and unable to compete for over two years. The attack had a profound impact on her career and personal life.
Seles made a courageous comeback in 1995, winning the Australian Open and proving that she still had what it took to compete at the highest level. However, she struggled to consistently produce her best tennis and faced numerous challenges. Despite her setbacks, Seles was able to regain her place among the top-ranked players and continued to inspire tennis fans around the world.
Throughout her career, Seles captivated audiences with her aggressive playing style and fierce determination. She was known for her powerful groundstrokes, exceptional court coverage, and mental toughness. Seles’ rivalry with Steffi Graf was one of the most intense and memorable in tennis history, with the two players constantly battling for the top spot.
In 2003, Seles played her last professional match at the French Open but did not officially retire until February 2008. She left a lasting impact on the sport and is regarded by many as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Seles was named one of the 30 Legends of Women’s Tennis: Past, Present and Future by Time.
Despite not being able to fulfill her full potential due to the stabbing incident, Seles remains an inspiration to countless athletes and fans alike. Her resilience, courage, and undeniable talent have left a lasting legacy in the world of tennis.
Awards:
– International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee (2009)