It was one of the last noteworthy results in Monica Seles’ career, which started off on a high note before being tragically interrupted by a stabbing incident during the 1993 Hamburg Open. Considered a teenage prodigy, Seles revolutionized the women’s game with her powerful groundstrokes, early ball striking, and signature grunting. Winning Roland-Garros at 16 and becoming the youngest world No 1 at 17, Seles dominated the tour until the stabbing incident, halting her career for over two years. She made a successful comeback in 1995, winning the Toronto title and later became the Australian Open champion in 1996, her final Grand Slam victory. Despite remaining in the top 10, Seles struggled with eating disorders and weight issues, never winning another major title. She was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009.
On the other hand, Jelena Dokic, a rising star from Australia, made her mark after her family left Yugoslavia in 1994. Dokic scored a major upset at Wimbledon in 1999 by defeating world No 1 Martina Hingis before reaching the quarter-finals. She climbed the rankings, reaching as high as world No 29 in 2000. At the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Seles faced Dokic in the bronze medal match, dominating her with straight sets to win the bronze. Seles would retire in 2003 due to a foot injury and eventually being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. Dokic, on the other hand, found success post-retirement as a leading tennis commentator.
