Monica Seles

Monica Seles, born on December 2, 1973, in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. She started her professional career at the young age of 14 and rapidly rose to the top. Seles is known for her powerful, aggressive playing style and her signature two-handed forehand and backhand strokes. She won numerous Grand Slam singles titles, including the French Open at age 16, the youngest in history. Seles' career was temporarily halted in 1993 due to a stabbing incident, but she made a successful return in 1995, showcasing her resilience and determination.

Off the court, Seles is recognized for her philanthropy and influence. She is an active advocate for mental health and eating disorder awareness and has inspired millions worldwide with her story.

Early Career

• Pro Debut: Seles turned pro in 1988 at the age of 14. She won her first professional title in Houston in 1989.

Grand Slam Success

• Seles won her first Grand Slam title, the French Open, in 1990, becoming the youngest champion in history. Over the next three years, she won a total of eight Grand Slam singles titles, including two US Opens, three French Opens, and three Australian Opens. 
  World No. 1: Seles became the youngest-ever World No. 1 in 1991, a position she held for a total of 178 weeks during her career.

Career Interruption and Comeback

• In 1993, Seles was stabbed by a spectator during a match in Hamburg, Germany. The incident forced her to take a two-year break from tennis. She made her return in 1995 and won her fourth Australian Open title in 1996.

Retirement

• Seles officially retired in 2008, citing persistent foot injuries. Her legacy in the sport remains remarkable, with a total of nine Grand Slam singles titles and 53 career singles titles.

Yugoslavia and United States National Teams

• Seles represented Yugoslavia in the Fed Cup and the Olympics before becoming a U.S. citizen in 1994. She then represented the United States in international competitions, winning the Hopman Cup in 1997 and reaching the final of the Fed Cup in 1995 and 2000.

• Playing Style: Seles is known for her aggressive baseline game, highlighted by her powerful two-handed forehand and backhand. Her unique style and mental toughness made her a formidable opponent on all surfaces.

• Family: Seles is married to Tom Golisano, a businessman and philanthropist. She became a U.S. citizen in 1994.
• Philanthropy: Seles is involved in various charitable activities, including mental health and eating disorder awareness. She has also written a memoir detailing her struggles with binge eating disorder.

• Monica Seles is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her resilience and determination. Her impact on the sport of tennis and her status as an icon extend beyond the court, inspiring countless players and fans around the world.

Grand Slam Singles Titles:

• 9 Titles (4 Australian Opens, 3 French Opens, 2 US Opens)

World No. 1:

• Youngest-ever World No. 1
• Held the No. 1 ranking for a total of 178 weeks

International Tennis Hall of Fame:

• Inducted in 2009

Books

• Seles, M. (2009) Getting a Grip: On My Body, My Mind, My Self. New York: Avery.
• Wertheim, J. (2007) Venus Envy: A Sensational Season Inside the Women's Tennis Tour. New York: HarperCollins.

Websites

• WTA: Information about Monica Seles' career and achievements. Available at: https://www.wtatennis.com
• International Tennis Hall of Fame: Details about Seles' Hall of Fame induction. Available at: https://www.tennisfame.com

Articles

• The Guardian: Monica Seles: The power player who changed the women's game. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/10/monica-seles-the-power-player-who-changed-the-womens-game
• ESPN: Monica Seles, the queen of scream. Available at: https://www.espn.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/13501648/monica-seles-queen-scream

Documentaries

• Unmatched (2020): Directed by Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern Winters. This ESPN 30 for 30 documentary explores the rivalry and friendship between Monica Seles and Martina Navratilova.