Monica Seles
From the clay courts of Roland Garros to the hard courts of the Australian Open, Monica Seles built a career that transcended tennis. With a unique style based on two-handed strokes and uncommon intensity, she became one of the most dominant figures of the early 1990s. Her career, marked by titles, memorable rivalries, and an emotional comeback after adversity, is the story of a passion that never faded.
The beginning of a vocation
Monica Seles was born in Novi Sad, then part of Yugoslavia, and from a very young age her life revolved around a racket. Her father, Karolj Seles, was not only her first coach but also the creator of the drills and routines that shaped her distinctive style: powerful two-handed shots on both sides of the court. This unusual technique allowed her to develop precise control and power that, from an early age, set her apart from the rest. At 13, she moved to the United States to train at Nick Bollettieri’s academy, a step that marked the start of her professional career.
The leap to the elite
Her debut on the professional circuit in 1989 marked the beginning of a meteoric career. In just two years she had already won her first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros at the age of 16, becoming the youngest champion in the tournament’s history at that time. The passion with which she approached every point, combined with her tactical aggression, led her to dominate the women’s circuit in the early 1990s. Between 1991 and 1993, she captured eight Grand Slam titles and established herself as world number one, surpassing legendary rivals such as Steffi Graf.
Resilience in the face of adversity
In 1993, during a match in Hamburg, she suffered an attack that shocked the tennis world. A spectator stabbed her in the back, forcing her to leave the courts for more than two years. Beyond the physical pain, the psychological impact was profound. However, her return in 1995 revealed an admirable inner strength. She won the Australian Open in 1996, proving that her love for tennis overcame any obstacle.
A career driven by passion
Beyond the titles, Seles’s career was defined by her combative style and dedication on the court. Her habit of grunting when hitting the ball, her aggressive movement, and her ability to sustain intensity in long matches reflected an emotional connection to the game that went beyond technique. Her passion not only translated into victories but also inspired young athletes around the world.
Influence on her personal life
The intensity with which she lived tennis was also reflected in her life off the court. After her official retirement in 2008, Seles devoted time to projects related to mental health and personal growth, sharing her experience in conferences and in her autobiography Getting a Grip. In this book, she recounted how tennis gave her discipline and purpose, but also how she learned to find balance in her life after competition.
Legacy in sport
Monica Seles left a legacy that goes beyond her nine Grand Slam titles. Her style of play influenced later generations, and her courage in returning after a traumatic attack remains an example of resilience. In addition, her image as a passionate competitor made her a respected figure both inside and outside the sport.
Passion as a driving force
Seles’s story shows that passion not only fuels athletic performance but also gives meaning and direction in the most difficult moments. From her early training sessions with her father to her retirement, every stage of her life was marked by an unwavering commitment to what she loved. That deep connection with tennis did not end when she stopped competing; it remains alive in her work as a mentor and in her defense of sport as a tool for personal development.