Monica Seles: French Open 1992
Our infographic tennis posters map out iconic rallies and points as art prints. Hang your favourite Tennis moments on the wall. This print tracks Monica Seles winning an epic rally against Steffi Graf in the 1992 French Open. Tennis data meets abstract art.
Frame not included.
My favourite tennis moment: words from Omar
The early 1990s: my brother and I were obsessed with women’s tennis. As a Steffi Graf fan, he had been enjoying a few years of unbroken gloating. Then came Monica Seles. Still the fiercest competitor I’ve seen and more than a match for the graceful Steffi. The Rafa and Roger of their day.
Their greatest battle came in the 1992 French open final. Monica had won the last two Grand Slams and Steffi was desperate to turn the tide. In the final set Monica went up 5-3 but Graf recovered to pull ahead 6-5. Monica served for the match at 8-7 but Graf held on. The French crowd went wild for Steffi. The tension in our sitting room was unbearable. And then the moment came. At 8-8, Monica had a break point. A spectacular 23 shot rally followed with both players hitting the lines. Suddenly, Monica spots an opening, moves forward, and crushes a two-hander into the corner of the court. I screamed, my brother wept, Monica lifted the trophy.
Steffi got revenge at Wimbledon a few weeks later, and Monica won an equally epic Australian Open final the following year. Then the awful stabbing of Monica meant the rivalry would never be the same. But for Seles fans, we’ll always have Paris.