Monica Seles

Monica Seles was born on December 2, 1973, in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia (now Serbia). She would go on to become one of the world's leading tennis players, known for her powerful two-handed forehand and backhand. Seles would later become a naturalized American citizen, continuing her successful career in the sport particularly noted during the early 1990s.

On May 21, 1989, Monica Seles won her first Grand Slam title at the French Open, defeating Steffi Graf in the final. Seles was just 16 years old and this victory marked her as one of the youngest champions in tennis history. Her performance and skill on the court during this tournament established her as a formidable force in women's tennis.

In 1990, Monica Seles defended her French Open title by winning the championship for the second time. She defeated Steffi Graf in the final, reinforcing her position as one of the leading players in women's tennis. Seles's aggressive play style and exceptional skill continued to draw attention and admiration from fans and critics alike, contributing to her storied career.

On June 8, 1991, Monica Seles became the world No. 1 in women's tennis after winning her third Grand Slam title at the French Open in Paris. At just 17, Seles overtook Steffi Graf to claim the top spot, cementing her place as a superstar in the sport. This marked the start of her 178 weeks total at the top of women's tennis, highlighting her dominance in the early 1990s.

On September 6, 1992, Monica Seles won the US Open title, overcoming Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in the final. This victory was part of an impressive streak in which Seles won three consecutive US Open titles from 1991 to 1993. Her success at the US Open showcased her ability to perform under pressure and solidified her status as a dominant force in women's tennis.

On April 30, 1993, during a match in Hamburg, Germany, Monica Seles was stabbed in the back by a fanatical fan of her rival Steffi Graf. The attack occurred during a break in her match against Magdalena Maleeva. The injury was serious, and it took two years for Seles to return to competitive tennis. This horrific event was pivotal in increasing security measures in tennis.

On August 15, 1995, Monica Seles made her professional comeback at the Canadian Open, after a two-year recovery from the stabbing incident. Seles won her first match back, signifying her incredible resilience and determination. The tennis community widely embraced her return, and she continued to compete at a high level, inspiring many with her story of recovery and strength.

On January 27, 1996, Monica Seles won the Australian Open for the fourth time, defeating Anke Huber in the final. This victory was particularly significant as it was her first Grand Slam win after returning to the sport following the stabbing incident. Seles displayed outstanding form and determination, reaffirming her status as one of the top tennis players in the world.

Monica Seles won the bronze medal in women's singles tennis at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, representing the United States. This achievement was a testament to her enduring skill and competitive spirit, adding an Olympic medal to her impressive list of career accomplishments, which already included multiple Grand Slam titles and a long-term presence in the top ranks of women's tennis.

On June 11, 2005, Monica Seles became a naturalized citizen of the United States. This was a significant personal milestone for Seles, who had moved to the U.S. at a young age to pursue her tennis career. Becoming a U.S. citizen was an important step in her life, marking another chapter in her story both on and off the tennis court.

On February 14, 2009, Monica Seles was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This honor recognized her extraordinary career and her impact on the sport of tennis. Seles was celebrated for her accomplishments on the court as well as her resilience and strength in overcoming personal and professional challenges, solidifying her legacy in the world of tennis.