Monica Seles

Description: (One of the Greatest Tennis Players of All Time)

Monica Seles is a former Yugoslavian tennis sensation who became the youngest female player to rank World No. 1, at the age of 17. Born in Yugoslavia, Seles was a wunderkind who began playing tennis at the age of five, soon becoming the best junior player of the country. Upon winning a junior tournament in Florida, Seles was spotted by the tennis coach Nick Bollettieri who approached her to join his academy, where she excelled at her game. Seles emerged as a tennis star when she became the youngest ever winner of the French Open, at the age of 16, beating Steffi Graf. From 1991 to 1993, she dominated women’s tennis and won nine Grand Slam titles which included the Australian Open four times, the French Open three times and the US Open twice. Known for her aggressive playing style and the unique grunts she made with nearly every shot, she became the youngest ever singles player to rank number one in the world. In 1993, Seles was heading towards unprecedented success until her career came to a sudden halt when she was stabbed in the back by a deranged fan of Steffi Graf. While recovering from the tragic incident, Seles remained away from tennis for two years. Although, later she returned to achieve some further success but was unable to regain her earlier form as a dominant player and officially retired in 2008. Regarded by many to be the first female power player, Seles is considered one of the all-time greats of the game.

Overview

Birthday December 2, 1973 (Sagittarius)
Born In Serbia
City Novi Sad, Serbia
Spouse/Ex- Tom Golisano
Parents Károly Szeles
Eszter
Relatives Zoltán Szeles

Did you know

Why did Monica Seles take a break from tennis in the 1990s? Monica Seles took a break from tennis in the 1990s after being stabbed by a spectator during a match in 1993.
What playing style was Monica Seles known for during her tennis career? Monica Seles was known for her aggressive baseline playing style, powerful groundstrokes, and two-handed backhand.
How many Grand Slam singles titles did Monica Seles win during her career? Monica Seles won a total of 9 Grand Slam singles titles during her tennis career.
What is Monica Seles known for achieving in 1991 in tennis? In 1991, Monica Seles became the youngest ever French Open singles champion at the age of 17.
Which country did Monica Seles represent in her tennis career? Monica Seles represented Yugoslavia and later the United States in her tennis career.
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