Monica Seles is perhaps one of the most prolific athletes in the history of tennis. Her legacy as a professional player is defined not only by her exceptional skills on the court but also by her personal story, which has captivated millions of fans worldwide. With a career spanning over a decade, Seles has left an indelible mark on the sport, setting records and inspiring a new generation of players.
Born in Yugoslavia in 1973, Seles began playing tennis at the age of five. Her talent was evident from an early age, and she quickly rose through the ranks of junior tennis. In 1989, at the age of just 15, Seles burst onto the professional scene, winning her first Grand Slam tournament at the French Open. This was the start of a career that would see her become one of the most successful tennis players of her generation.
Over the course of her career, Seles won nine Grand Slam titles, including four at the Australian Open, three at the French Open, and two at the US Open. She also won a total of 53 singles titles and held the world number one ranking for over 170 weeks. Her unorthodox style of play, which featured two-handed groundstrokes on both sides, made her a formidable opponent and a fan favorite.
Off the court, Seles faced numerous challenges, including a stabbing incident in 1993 that kept her out of the game for over two years. Despite this setback, she returned to tennis and continued to compete at the highest level until her retirement in 2008. Today, Seles remains a well-known figure in the tennis world and an inspiration to athletes everywhere.
Early Life and Tennis Career
Monica Seles was born on December 2, 1973, in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia (now Serbia). She was the only child of Hungarian parents, Karolj and Ester Seles. At the age of six, Monica started playing tennis, and her father became her coach. She showed great talent and proved to be a junior champion in the 10 and under category.
In 1985, at the age of 11, Monica won the Orange Bowl, a prestigious tennis tournament for juniors. The following year, she turned professional and started competing on the women's tennis circuit. Her breakthrough came in 1990 when she won the French Open at the age of 16, becoming the youngest ever Grand Slam singles champion.
For the next few years, Monica dominated women's tennis, winning a total of nine Grand Slam titles, including the Australian Open, the French Open, and the US Open. She also held the world No. 1 ranking for 178 straight weeks, starting in 1991. Her aggressive play style and powerful two-handed backhand revolutionized women's tennis.
However, in 1993, Monica's career was interrupted by a shocking incident. During a match in Hamburg, Germany, a crazed fan ran onto the court and stabbed her in the back with a nine-inch-long knife. She was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery, but the attack left her traumatized and fearful. It took her two years to return to tennis, and she never regained her dominant form.
Despite the setback, Monica continued to play at a high level and won several more titles, including the Australian Open in 1996. In 2003, she retired from professional tennis at the age of 29, with 53 career singles titles and over $14 million in prize money. She remains one of the greatest women's tennis players of all time.
Monica Seles’ Achievements and Awards
Grand Slam Titles
Monica Seles can boast of being one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She won nine Grand Slam singles titles and one women’s doubles title in her career. She won her first Grand Slam singles title at the 1990 French Open, at the age of just 16. She went on to win eight more Grand Slam singles titles, including three Australian Open titles (’91, ’92, and ’93), four French Open titles (’90, ’91, ’92, and ’93), and two US Open titles (’91 and ’92).
Other Titles
In addition to her Grand Slam titles, Seles had a formidable record on the tennis circuit. She won 53 singles titles and six doubles titles over the course of her career. She was known for her aggressive baseline game, and her ability to hit powerful groundstrokes from both her forehand and backhand sides.
Awards and Honors
- International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee (2009)
- Named WTA Player of the Year (1991, 1992)
- Named ITF World Champion (1991, 1992)
- Named Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year (1991)
- Named Sports Illustrated Sportswoman of the Year (1992)
Records
Seles’ career was unfortunately cut short by a horrific on-court incident in 1993, when she was stabbed by a spectator during a match in Germany. She returned to the court 27 months later and made a brief comeback, but was never quite the same player again. Nonetheless, she still achieved a number of impressive records during her career. She was the youngest-ever French Open singles champion (16 years, 6 months), and she won her first eight Grand Slam singles finals. She is also the only female tennis player to have won her first six Grand Slam singles final appearances.
Personal Life and Interests
Monica Seles has always been a private person, preferring to keep her personal life out of the public eye. However, it is known that Seles was born in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), and later became a citizen of the United States.
Off the court, Seles has had a variety of interests. She has been a supporter of animal rights, and has worked with organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Seles has also been interested in fashion, and has been a brand ambassador for a number of fashion companies throughout her career.
Seles has also been involved in philanthropy, supporting organizations such as UNICEF, AIDS projects, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
In recent years, Seles has focused on her personal life, including her marriage to Tom Golisano, the billionaire businessman and former owner of the Buffalo Sabres hockey team. The couple married in 2016, and have since split their time between homes in Florida and Upstate New York.
Monica Seles’ Net Worth and Legacy
Monica Seles was one of the most successful tennis players in history, winning nine Grand Slam singles titles before retiring in 2008. Her success on the court has translated into a significant net worth, with estimates placing her worth at around $25 million.
Aside from her impressive financial success, Monica Seles’s legacy in tennis will be remembered for her unique playing style and her incredible comeback after a stabbing incident that nearly ended her career. Her aggressive two-handed style of play revolutionized the sport, and her perseverance in the face of adversity has inspired generations of athletes.
Monica Seles’s passionate dedication to tennis has also led to numerous humanitarian efforts over the years. She has worked tirelessly to promote the sport in underprivileged communities around the world, using her platform to encourage young people to take up the game.
Overall, Monica Seles’s legacy goes far beyond her impressive net worth. She has left an indelible mark on the sport of tennis and on the lives of countless fans and aspiring athletes. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, and she will be remembered as a true inspiration to all those who follow in her footsteps.
FAQ
Who is Monica Seles?
Monica Seles is a retired professional tennis player originally from Yugoslavia, now Serbia. She was a dominant player in the late 1980s and 1990s and won nine Grand Slam singles titles during her career.
What is Monica Seles' height and weight?
Monica Seles is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds.
What is Monica Seles' net worth?
The exact net worth of Monica Seles is not known, but it is estimated to be around $20 million.
What was the biggest moment of Monica Seles' career?
Monica Seles' biggest moment came at the 1990 French Open when she became the youngest ever winner of the women's singles title at just 16 years old.
What is Monica Seles doing now?
Monica Seles retired from professional tennis in 2008 and has since been focusing on her personal life. She is an active philanthropist and has worked with organizations such as Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
