Monica Seles is a former world No. 1 tennis player who represented Yugoslavia and the United States.
She was born on December 2, 1973, in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia (now Serbia).
Seles won nine major singles titles, eight of them as a teenager while representing Yugoslavia, and the final one while representing the United States.
In 1990, Seles became the youngest-ever French Open champion at the age of 16.
She went on to win eight major singles titles before her 20th birthday and was the year-end No. 1 in 1991 and 1992.
Seles was known for her aggressive playing style and powerful two-handed backhand.
She could have possibly won more Grand Slam singles titles than any other female player, had her career not been cut short.
On April 30, 1993, Seles was stabbed between the shoulder blades by a crazed fan of Steffi Graf during a tournament in Hamburg.
Although she returned to the WTA Tour in August 1995 and won six WTA titles, including the 2000 Australian Open, she was never again the dominant player she had been before the attack.
Seles eventually represented the United States at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, and competed from 1994 onward under the US flag.
She helped the US win the Fed Cup in 1996, 1999, and 2000, and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009.
In addition to her tennis career, Seles is a motivational speaker, author, mental health advocate, fitness enthusiast and animal lover.
Monica Seles stabbing video
Seles’ career was cut short after an obsessed German fan of Steffi Graf stabbed her.
The stabbing attack in 1993 by a competitor’s fan changed tennis history and is still remembered as a dark day.
After the tragic incident, Seles also suffered from depression and BEDs.
Likewise, the extraordinary retired tennis icon wrote a memoir in 2009, Getting a grip: On my Body: My mind, Myself.
Seles’s writings reflected upon the moments she struggled with depression and BED (Binge Eating Disorder).
Despite being an astonishing tennis player, Seles lived her life with depression.
However, fewer people seemed to notice that in contrast to her fame and success.
Above all, Seles highlighted her reason behind the BED and depression were her stabbing attack followed by her parent’s death.
The stabbing incident is still recalled as a dark history in tennis.
How did Monica Seles’ career change after the stabbing incident?
Seles’ career changed significantly after the stabbing incident.
She did not return to tennis for over two years after the stabbing.
Although she enjoyed some success after returning in 1995, including victory at the 1996 Australian Open, she was unable to consistently produce her best tennis.
Seles won eight Grand Slam titles during her teenage years. However, her career was greatly affected by the stabbing incident.
Some involved with the sport have declared that Seles could have become the most accomplished female player ever.
Seles was unable to compete in ten Grand Slam tournaments while she was absent, and Steffi Graf won six of them.
She lost her ranking as world No. 1 and was unable to regain it.
Seles was never again the dominant player she had been before the attack.
Her playing style changed after the attack, and she was no longer as aggressive on the court.
Seles retired from professional tennis in 2008, although she hadn’t played her last competitive match in five years.
Despite the challenges she faced, she remained a beloved and respected figure in the tennis world, and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009.
What is Monica Seles doing now?
Seles is currently engaged in various activities.
She still participates in tennis events and ceremonies, maintaining her connection to the sport.
Seles has been involved in a few exhibition matches, showcasing her skills and entertaining the audience.
She is also active on Instagram, where she shares updates and posts about her life.
As a motivational speaker, Seles shares her experiences and insights with audiences, inspiring them to overcome challenges and achieve success.
She has written two books, Monica: From Fear to Victory and Getting a Grip: On My Mind, My Body, and My Self, which focus on her life, career and personal growth.
Since her retirement, Seles has been focusing on her work in the area of health and lifestyle, sharing her knowledge and promoting well-being.
She embraces her role as a tennis influencer and a role model, inspiring the younger generation to find joy in playing the sport.
