Really enjoyed this and I'm not even a tennis fan. I didn't know Seles was Yugoslavian. I'd always thought she was American for some reason. I thought I'd imagined it, but it turns out she did represent the US later on in her career. I also didn't realize the stabbing happened so early in her career.
As I said, I was never a tennis fan, but I watched a little in the 90s. I loathed Sampras because he won everything. Give the others a chance! Then he went into decline and everyone wrote him off and I wanted him to win one last one so badly. Then he beat Agassi in 2002 at the US Open and I finally could appreciate his greatness.
Seles ended up playing for America and got American citizenship, so it makes sense you'd think that. Once she moved to Florida, she pretty much stayed here.
I remember that Sampras-Agassi final very well. Sampras was a lot better than Graf, I think, but his fate was also to be overtaken by his successors. When he retired, the consensus was he was the GOAT, and then Federer took over, then Nadal, and finally Djokovic. Sampras is fourth now.
As a young adult in the late 70s and 80s, I loved watching Chrissy and Martina. I loved Steffi and Gabby. In the 1980s the Virginia Slims held their Bay Area tournament at the Oakland Coliseum. I went a few times and over the years saw Navratalova,Seles, Lindsay Davenport, and others play. Your essay brought back many memories.
The man never served a day in prison? That's unbelievable. I think this is my favorite piece you've written, Ross. You're such a talented writer all around, but this one, in particular, hit your sweet spot. I also find it interesting that we both throw left-handed but swing a tennis racket right-handed. I don't know if I've met another.
I wish I learned to play tennis left-handed. It's an edge. I actually used to throw right-handed as a kid and switched. I can still throw decently right-handed. I'm not a great right-handed hitter though, and much prefer batting left-handed.
That's funny. I started batting righty in lilttle league and I think maybe it was because I just didn't want to stand out from everyone but finally my Dad, knowing his son, bribed me with baseball cards to switch to lefty and the rest is Connecticut little league history.
Loved this. And I loved Seles the moment I saw her play, even though my scrappy and steady style of play was the exact opposite of hers. Have long wondered how many slams Monica would have won. I suspect you and Martina are correct--probably the most of all time.
Great post Ross. I’d forgotten how that all had happened.
Really enjoyed this and I'm not even a tennis fan. I didn't know Seles was Yugoslavian. I'd always thought she was American for some reason. I thought I'd imagined it, but it turns out she did represent the US later on in her career. I also didn't realize the stabbing happened so early in her career.
As I said, I was never a tennis fan, but I watched a little in the 90s. I loathed Sampras because he won everything. Give the others a chance! Then he went into decline and everyone wrote him off and I wanted him to win one last one so badly. Then he beat Agassi in 2002 at the US Open and I finally could appreciate his greatness.
Seles ended up playing for America and got American citizenship, so it makes sense you'd think that. Once she moved to Florida, she pretty much stayed here.
I remember that Sampras-Agassi final very well. Sampras was a lot better than Graf, I think, but his fate was also to be overtaken by his successors. When he retired, the consensus was he was the GOAT, and then Federer took over, then Nadal, and finally Djokovic. Sampras is fourth now.
As a young adult in the late 70s and 80s, I loved watching Chrissy and Martina. I loved Steffi and Gabby. In the 1980s the Virginia Slims held their Bay Area tournament at the Oakland Coliseum. I went a few times and over the years saw Navratalova,Seles, Lindsay Davenport, and others play. Your essay brought back many memories.
The man never served a day in prison? That's unbelievable. I think this is my favorite piece you've written, Ross. You're such a talented writer all around, but this one, in particular, hit your sweet spot. I also find it interesting that we both throw left-handed but swing a tennis racket right-handed. I don't know if I've met another.
I wish I learned to play tennis left-handed. It's an edge. I actually used to throw right-handed as a kid and switched. I can still throw decently right-handed. I'm not a great right-handed hitter though, and much prefer batting left-handed.
That's funny. I started batting righty in lilttle league and I think maybe it was because I just didn't want to stand out from everyone but finally my Dad, knowing his son, bribed me with baseball cards to switch to lefty and the rest is Connecticut little league history.
Thanks Ross. I shared this article with my parents, who are big tennis fans.
A lovely post.
And, just to reply to your last sentence - you are somebody. Writing is kinder than athletics are to becoming over a lifetime.
ha, thank you - I meant it more towards tennis, but yes, writing matters!
Forgot all about that, great writing!
Loved this. And I loved Seles the moment I saw her play, even though my scrappy and steady style of play was the exact opposite of hers. Have long wondered how many slams Monica would have won. I suspect you and Martina are correct--probably the most of all time.
Wonderful portrayal of a unique talent!
If there's one thing Germans are particularly obsessed with, it's the "stab in the back."