Spirit
Apr 1st, 2003, 05:01 AM
I consider Steffi to be Monica's greatest rival, despite what she herself says and the low number of matches they actually played. Their styles contrasted and yet complemented each other beautifully; they duelled for Number One, then shared it for a while.
Because their careers overlapped about halfway for each woman, and because of Monica's time away from the tour, they only played 15 matches.
Their first match, in 1989, was a French Open semifinal. Monica lost in three sets, 3-6 6-3 3-6. Steffi edged her by a single break in the third.
Their final match took place 10 years later, almost to the day. It was a Roland Garros semifinal. Monica lost in three sets, 7-6 3-6 4-6. Steffi edged her by a single break in the third.
After going all over the map, their rivalry lasted for precisely one decade and ended where it began.
Because their careers overlapped about halfway for each woman, and because of Monica's time away from the tour, they only played 15 matches.
Their first match, in 1989, was a French Open semifinal. Monica lost in three sets, 3-6 6-3 3-6. Steffi edged her by a single break in the third.
Their final match took place 10 years later, almost to the day. It was a Roland Garros semifinal. Monica lost in three sets, 7-6 3-6 4-6. Steffi edged her by a single break in the third.
After going all over the map, their rivalry lasted for precisely one decade and ended where it began.