Monica Seles vs Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario 1998 RG Final Highlights

Monica Seles vs Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario 1998 Roland Garros Final Highlights. If you like my highlights please consider making a donation to my paypal www.paypal.me/... really grateful for whatever you can give during these covid hit times.

[@JacquesHsu]

This is one of the few matches I am reluctant to watch for many years. I am a huge fan of Monica, and see what she went through the stabbing, her struggles, and her father’s passing just before 98 French Open. She beat the likes of Novotna and Hingis, both of whom are very difficult opponents for her, and in the final, she faced Arantxa, whom she had a lopsided H2H record against. I still can’t believe Monica lost this one, but after watching this highlight, I have to admit Arantxa played extremely well, even better than every match I’ve seen her play. She deserves it.

[@moviefan4life166]

Agreed. This was Seles’ match to lose. I remember watching this live that there was a sitter overhead in the first set that Monica butchered that would have put the set away. It was a huge turning point. All Arantxa did was hit slice after slice backhand snd chop slice forehands, and Monica stayed back. She also approached to Arantxa’s backhand which is her far better wing for some crazy reason. Monica also didn’t serve nearly as well as she usually did. Arantxa did deserve to win this match nonetheless because she made hardly any errors and was so quick and steady.

[@lovealways729]

did she, she did not do much different in the 3rd set... and did not win a single game in the second, i think seles jusy got tired?

[@jujumusique1305]

Yup. This was Arantxa’s best match post 1996, alongside the monumental 4th round against Serena. Can’t think of her playing better tennis than this after this tournament either.

[@andiluzaic9385]

I never dreamed that Seles could loose this match. As a Seles fan I must say that Aranxta deserved the win. What a great fighter. Just amazing

[@iamjetl]

Monica's Dad has passed away weeks earlier....

[@Enjanginsaudiarabia]

If seles won 1st set she would easly won the title. It was similar with US Open 1995. Seles was exhausted in the last game

[@bryguy0111]

Monica had no movement or energy in the third set ..she had to win this in straight sets..this was only the beginning of her getting back into shape and she still was carrying extra weight and her larger racquet I think also hindered her..was so glad when she changed it in 2000

[@jujumusique1305]

Probably one of Arantxa’s top ten best matches ever. I was crushed after that final, but kudos to her for securing this final GS success.

[@marckunz5197]

It´s unbelievable. Expected Iva Majoli´s victory in 1997, there were only three winners in Paris between 1987 and 1999: Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Arantxa Sanchez.

[@pianoking8878]

Graf 6 (87, 88, 93, 95, 96, 99) Seles 3 (90, 91, 92) Sanchez Vicario 3 (89, 94, 98)

[@bodystorm]

Lovely to see the embrace and mutual respect at the end. As much as I would loved to have seen Monica win here, Aranxta deserved more slams too.

[@zuleykamariana]

because one week before tournament began, Monicas father passed away :(

[@michaelgarza8271]

Monica was a revolutionary striker of the ball for the women's game. We can only wonder what might have been had she not been stabbed by that lunatic.

[@robdurdain5912]

I disagree on ASV deserving more slams. Hingis has only 1 more slam than her yet leads her 18-2 in head to head. That indicates she is kind of an overachiever if anything.

[@cn3441]

@@robdurdain5912 she did beat graf in two grand slam finals.. Hingis never achieved that.

[@robdurdain5912]

@@cn3441 Hingis and Graf aren't contemporaries and barely played in any grand slam finals as a result. Only 1. Sanchez had 7 shots to beat Graf in a slam final.

[@jabaros75]

Merecidisimo triunfo de Arantxa, que perdió la final en 1996 en el tercer set 10- 8 contra Steffi. Arantxa ganó en 1989, 1994 y 1998 jugando además las finales de 1991, 1995y 1996. Grande Arantxa!!!!! Gracias por tanto !!!!

[@8sabu1982]

Lo de Arantxa fué incredible 👍😍🤩

[@davidcarrasco8533]

Si, pero quien debió ganar este partido fue Mónica a quien le faltó físico para aguantar la exigencia del partido, solo eso marco la diferencia, me alegré mucho por Arantxa quien debió ganar a steffi ese RG 96, pero aquí Mónica siento que debió ganar ella, que golpes, muy similar a aquella Mónica de 1992 pero con poco físico una lastima

[@angellv1527]

Me hizo disfrutar de forma increíble, memorable nuestra Arantxa!

[@manupm6620]

@@davidcarrasco8533 que debió ganar por que? Ganó la mejor y punto.

[@peterhammer6915]

Great match. I also love the sportsmanship between the players during and after the match. Seles has always been very gracious in defeat.

[@victornaidoo6134]

love seles

[@victornaidoo6134]

a awesome match monica thrashed her

[@alvarodepradosanz]

Also Arantxa was very kind to her after the last point, giving Monica some cheer words. Absolutely brilliant tennis from both and well deserved victory for the Spaniard.

[@CJJAK37]

During a 10 year period from 1991 to 2000, ASV reached the semifinals or better 9 times . Only once losing in the QF. 56/64 matches won which is 87.5% winning record . Wow she was truly a Roland Garros legend.

[@jujumusique1305]

And she made the quarters on her first two attempts and won the title on the third.

[@POObumpoopo]

Heartbreaking result, but beautiful highlights! Great quality.

[@peterzhou9267]

Arantxa played one heck of a match using all of her assets in the arsenal and flattening the forehand to tactically defeat Seles. She has a huge heart and did win some support from the crowd for her tenacity here. For her standard, she played a very aggressive minded final. Great respect coming from both players to one another.

[@zeddeka]

I think perhaps one of the key shots in this match was how Arantxa used her slice backhand more than usual. It forced Monica to dig down for the ball, hit many more shots, and also generate all her own pace. It really sapped Monica of energy. It seems Arantxa had watched the way Steffi Graf could use her slice backhand to wear Monica out in some of their matches. Bizarrely, Monica kept playing Arantxa's backhand when she usually targeted her forehand. Perhaps Monica was just more confident hitting those low slice shots back cross court over the lower part of the net, or perhaps she was nervous and wasn't thinking as clearly.

[@adamlarsson3828]

growing up, i was really sad that Monica lost this match (- i loved her and loved watching her play). you could feel that she would not have that many opportunities to win another slam title. yet, at the same time, Arantxa was a fabulously skilled player, too - i really didn’t perceive or understand this at the time. this match features two very talented players playing some brilliant tennis. :)

[@DEXTER941]

I never realised Arantxa was such a good player, her skill level along with Seles was incredible. They both could play all the shots, lobs, smashes, sliced backhands, looping balls, volleys, awkward angle shots, amazing skill from the two of them. I find a lot of the matches today boring in comparison to this tennis, they only seem to go for all out power now, they don't seem to want to develop the finer skills of tennis. Arantxa would make a great coach, she has a lot to teach any up and coming tennis player.

[@diegogomezlozano9637]

Arantxa was number 1 in singles and doubles, if you look all the titles she won, you can say that she was one of the all times best tennis players

[@valentinodelpiero4861]

@@diegogomezlozano9637 of course she is. She is very forgotten, very unfair

[@adamlarsson3828]

yes!!!!!

[@DEXTER941]

Kenin may be small but she is a power player, yes she has skill and likes to mix it up. Of the four you mention I think Kenin is the most skillful because of her variety on court but all the women are power players now, they all do weights etc.. Kerber even admitted in an interview she had to do the gym work to catch up with the other women's power on court, before that she didn't go in for it.

[@grantgoffin4774]

@@DEXTER941 LOL Kenin is by far the least talented and skillfull of those four mentioned. Kerber, Halep, and Wozniacki are all way better players. She was a gigantic fluke, and you will likely never hear anything much of her again.

[@CJJAK37]

Here is the reason why Arantxa won 4 slams and gabby conchita and Jana were one time winners . None of them ever fought as hard on court as Sanchez did. None of them had the heart the mind and the courage to win like she did. You can say what you want about Arantxa but she fought and fought and then fought some more to win .

[@tylerbam7183]

I don't think Conchita was that talented, so that got her as well. Her talent level was kind of limited. Jana and Gaby you are definitely right on though. Jana should have won atleast 3 Wimbledons, her game was perfect for the grass.

[@rafarequeni822]

@@tylerbam7183 Conchita Martínez has 33 WTA singles titles (plus 17 in doubles) to 29 ASV, 24 Novotna and 27 Sabatini. Over all surfaces. She was far more talented than you credit her for.

[@laviniaparisi9154]

Maybe Sanchez had less talent than Novotna, Sabatini, Pierce. Then she deserved her victories for her tenacity, the pressing and her ability to fight point for point.

[@shawnchurchman7761]

@@laviniaparisi9154 Oh my, you forget Sabatini's serve, which was downright embarrassing for a pro. You can't really put her in this category.

[@laviniaparisi9154]

Infatti, with a better serve, Sabatini probably would have won more slam.

[@cn3441]

I was 13 at that time, and supported Sanchez lol I just loved her variety and fight. Both deserved to win I think.

[@markjamesdonahue]

I am still not over Monica losing this one. Broke my heart at the time

[@BOOMER751]

Seles puts so much intensity in every shot that it was tough to sustain for 3 sets against speedy Arantxa! 2 great champions 🙌

[@cyriljacob4839]

Dont forget the fact that she had endured a knife attack and was not her former self anymore.

[@lenwelch2195]

@@cyriljacob4839 I don’t think there’s anyone on the planet that doesn’t grasp what Monica Seles had to go through. She’s independently wealthy and can persue any endeavor she puts her heart into . Monica didn’t need 25 slam titles to feel good about herself. The world loves her for her ability to climb every obstacle. Only Graf is prone to keeping to herself and plays second banana to Agassi’s ego. Monica is greeted at the net by an almost apologetic ASV. Monica gave it her very best

[@danielgoncalves8079]

spot on

[@dinomijatovic3921]

Heartbreaking loss for Monica, but terrific performance strategically and technically from Arantxa! I see she had quite good forehand here as well! Poor Monica looked so undone on occasions unable to finish off some points. She was so inspired throughout the whole tournament devoting it to her father who died I think less than a month before this occasion. She just ran out of steam in the end. Still all the credit to Arantxa who played fantastic French Open that year, beating Serena en route was very satisfying indeed!

[@ВладимирЛапин-р6б]

In the 3rd set, Arantxa has 13 winners and only 5 unforced errors. Her first serve is 83%. Arantxa won the game herself with top quality tennis.

[@dinomijatovic3921]

One od many legendary and memorable RG matches! As much as I felt sorry for Monica, as much I was glad for ASV, she was fighting so well and clever.

[@alvarodepradosanz]

Great level of tennis, well deserved victory for Arantxa, Monica was incredible at second set but the Spaniard is a real figther. ¡Grande Arantxa!

[@Syahindolangkat2024]

Thanks Atantxta you show us that Monica has a weakness in returning high ball.... and you know how to use it for win thus game.

[@andrews6341]

She had no weakness against it with Sabatini or Martinez though , but Sanchez could counter punch amazingly well

[@tampico63]

Arantxa deserves to be recognized as a great tennis player and a fighter. She gave Spain lots of reasons to be proud of

[@8sabu1982]

Uno de los " RolandGarroses" Más Costosos y a la vez Más Bonitos para Arantxa... Fué un broche de Oro a Su carrera 🏆💪. Bravo Arantxa. 🎾🎾🎾

[@tonyhoward7004]

This is hard to watch . After the shellacking Seles did to Hingis in the semis , and after the 6-0 second set, by all rights , this was Monica’s match to win. Having said that, and as a lifelong Seles fan - I was blown away by the sheer tenacity of ASV. Man, she ran down every point to the bitter end - sadly, she deserved to win. I say “sadly” because this would be Monica’s last GS final. If the world was just, Seles would have won.

[@antoniojaviergarciablanco2273]

Q bien verlo resumido y con esa calidad de imagen! Muchas gracias por tu trabajo 😉

[@jonnyjobes3621]

This was painful because I think so many of us Arantxa fans also desperately wanted Monica to win another slam. Arantxa had a hard draw here - Schynder, Davenport, Seles - it was a real test for her against players she'd struggled against over the previous years. Arantxa won this having lost 5 GS finals, 1 Olympics final and a Fed Cup final (plus numerous other tournament finals) since her previous slam win. For her to come through this and win was incredible. Most importantly for me, she looked totally unsurprised that she won because she had a fighter's heart and knew that she was capable of doing so. Arantxa is my all time hero for that very reason - she always believed. I think that's what made her different from Conchita and Mary, her peers who should've won more during the same time.

[@valentinodelpiero4861]

Great comment

[@jujumusique1305]

I so wish Arantxa had won 1996 and lost this one. It would have done justice to both her and Seles since she fought so hard during the 1996 final and lost it by the tightest margin, and it was impossible not to root for Seles in 1998, 3 weeks after losing her beloved dad :( Sport can be cruel

[@grafgoat]

@teddyboy7247 She wasn't he same physically either - more weight and height.

[@mementomori7265]

I liked very much these two players. Monica was often impressive. A spectacular tennis. Arantxa was a fighter. Technically perhaps she was not as strong as Monica or Steffi but she was never abandoning and she offered us some great finals.

[@shravkumar55]

Monica is history..even if she loses she has so much of grace.. unlike other Champions

[@laviniaparisi9154]

Arantxa won tactically: she did get tired and let off her opponent in the second set and then she prolunged the exchanges in the third. However, if Seles hadn't thrown away the first set, the match, maybe, would have ended up differentely.

[@ΝτίναΔρένου-ω5ψ]

Monika Seles! What a great returner she was.What insane angles and accuracy! None like her.She is the best of all time,then now and for ever.Miss u Monika so so much So unique ,so talended so Monika.I love her.Is the best.That's all

[@8sabu1982]

Recuerdo este partido un tanto especial... Después de muchas Finales perdidas de Arantxa ( 1995 y 1996 aquellas contra Graf y perder contra Davenport en las Olimpiadas) creí que este momento no iba a llegar... Fué una agonía pero muy Bonito y además contra una " Vieja conocida " Mónica Seles. 😍

[@michaelgarza8271]

Anyone remember that glorious shoe commercial with ASV? Her feet are sliding over clay as she narrates. She was a warrior.

[@CJJAK37]

Two incredible champions. Full of class and respect for each other. Seles was the favourite based on previous matches between the two. ASV did win their match prior to this at the 97 masters but this was supposed to Monica’s last great triumph . Arantxa however would spoil many Roland Garros stories in her career. She adored this tournament and always felt she could win it. Total self belief. She ranks only behind Evert and Graf in the open era as most successful at the French . And before any Henin fans pipe up about 4 titles to 3. How about 73 wins to 38. 6 finals to 4. 10 semifinals to 5. 3 QF to zero.

[@robdurdain5912]

I put Seles and Henin both over ASV for sure. Yes the stats you said on Henin are right, and I am sure Seles is behind in all of those but unlike Henin not even ahead in titles. However Henin and Seles were both dominant on clay, ASV NEVER was. Seles won 3 straight French Opens before the stabbing. Henin won 4 of 5 French Opens in her prime. Compare that to ASV who has 3 French Open titles widely split apart- 89, 94, 98, indicating my point as great as she was on clay she was never even close to being dominant. Seles and Henin were dominant on clay and at the French for several years plus at one point each. Also Seles got stabbed of course, there is just no way she doesn't win atleast 5 or 6 RG titles (and ASV is unlikely to reach 3 too now). And in Henin's case she retired at 25, so had a super short career, and still managed more RG titles than Sanchez did in her way longer career. I am not dissing Sanchez Vicario who I agree is a great player at RG and on clay, and even in general, but no way do I rank her above Henin or even Seles overall on clay. The fact Sanchez was dominated by HINGIS, yes Hingis the player who never won a French on clay and at the French also confirms Seles and Henin above her on clay and at RG for me. Prime Henin and prime Seles would definitely beat prime HIngis more often than not at the French.

[@CJJAK37]

rob durdain I agree with what you wrote but I’m talking about the French open only . Plus ASV had big clay competition in the early 90’s. Seles Graf and sabatini were winning everything 91 and 92. ASV actually won zero clay titles in those years but did win 3 hard court tournaments. So You are correct , she never dominated but did play very well on clay . At the French Open , her record is only behind Graf and Evert. Seles and Henin were not as successful . The numbers prove it

[@diegogomezlozano9637]

Plus the DOUBLES

[@tylerbam7183]

@@CJJAK37 Henin has 1 more French Open title than Sanchez. I know the clay field was way weaker, but just talking results. Plus she won 3 in a row at one point, totally dominated clay and her era and probably would have won a ton more if she didn't retire early.

[@CJJAK37]

@@tylerbam7183 yes I know . All I’m saying is she does not have anywhere near the numbers ASV has at the French which is why I place Arantxa ahead of her at this tournament.

[@valentinodelpiero4861]

You never fail Jamie Owen! I knew of this new HD upload from Spanish broadcast and thought “if only you were to find it”... you never disappoint!

[@chanelprince7035]

I love tennis player in 90 era.. always respect each other.. sportmanship

[@reubenkeyz5131]

My favorite woman tennis player. Arantxa Sanchez Vicario!

[@CJJAK37]

I think on this day Monica’s fans need to admit that ASV was the better player in this day. There were many many days that she was on the losing end to Monica so let’s give her this one . She played amazing tennis and her variety and fitness won out

[@sohamdutta9281]

@Max E yes. Monica thrashed her in the second set. 6-0

[@laviniaparisi9154]

The great merit of Arantxa was playing alone against everyone, as long as all wanted that won Seles...

[@ДмитрийАндреев-р6г]

Arantxa had a brilliant 3rd set and deservedly won. In the 3rd set, she has 13 winners with 5 unforced errors and an 82% first serve percentage. This is an ingenious statistic even for the most attacking player. And when a woman with perhaps the best defense in history plays like this in attack, it is impossible to beat her. After this victory, it seemed that Arantxa could again become the first racket of the world and consistently win tournaments. Alas, this tournament turned out to be a one-time surge of Arantxa in the last years of his career

[@peterb6512]

Can't belive she didn't win this. She played so good. She had that first set in her hands.

[@jayowens6383]

Arantxa is a player that every amateur and club level player can learn from. She's fast but not an other-worldly athlete like Graf, Navratilova, or the Williams sisters. She's consistent but technically her strokes are no better than most club players. But she never beat herself and almost never made a dumb shot. She won with brains, heart, and grit.

[@carrerau7138]

Most club players have technically far, far, far worse strokes than ASV. Stop spreading such BS.

[@Ttjam1]

Wtf her strokes are light years ahead of club players, as are any pro’s.

[@zeddeka]

Her strokes are no better than most club players???? You clearly never saw her play in person.

[@cathy504]

Arantra my favourite ever player such a fighter miss her playing

[@jamesr2164]

With the adversity that Seles had faced, with the stabbing and the death of her father right before the French Open started, this final is a perfect example that "life isn't always fair."

[@tgarchitects]

Monica’s crazy angles are history. Such an amazing “architectural” tennis 😍

[@laviniaparisi9154]

It was a pity that lost this game. We all root for her.

[@danidro8227]

Soy argentino y por ende siempre alentaba por Gabriela Sabatini, pero después alentaba por Arantxa, tenia mucha garra y astucia para jugar, una típica española.

[@ddb787]

12:31 -12:54: probably her best (post-stab) footwork/movement of 1998 + the summer of 2001.

[@manojbhagchandani2334]

This match was a real heart breaker for me though Sanchez was a class player I thought seles would win it in straight sets.seles just ran out of gas there.

[@patrickclohessy8339]

I so wanted to see Monica win this one

[@anthonyyusef5897]

Looking back in retrospect this is a bad loss for Seles. Probably her best chance for a slam post-stabbing against an opponent she should beat even on clay. Ouch!

[@paskferr]

patrick clohessy I still can’t bear watching it, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get over what happened to Monica.

[@patrickclohessy8339]

@@paskferr Well at least they won three times at French Open. Same record. Also both never won at Wimbledon. Graf prevented that.

[@santoshthapa8398]

she relied too much on power , ovbiously she gon lose against counterpuncher like arantxa

[@anthonyyusef5897]

@@santoshthapa8398 Huh? Makes no sense what you said. Monica had great success on clay and should have beaten ASV on this day. Much better player

[@jeremie2020]

I was so gutted...Monica should have never lost this match/final. :( . My goat 4ever.

[@danielgoncalves8079]

she literally wore down Seles… what a match!!!!

[@scampsweep]

All credit to Sanchez. She played very well. However, it is almost unbelievable that Seles lost this match. Throughout her career, Seles beat Arantxa comfortably for the most part, including the 1991 French and 1992 US Open finals (both fairly easily). No-one really expected this victory for Sanchez, I don’t think. She persevered and retrieved hard, though, and it paid off for her.

[@peterzhou9267]

The US Open was winnable though. She was actually better in form than Seles at the time who had a cold, brimming with confidence having just beaten Seles and Graf in a row. But the match turned out to be a messy one, Seles grinding it out while Sanchez overhit with ball bashing.

[@danieln1]

Painful to watch to this day

[@doctorsteevo]

Yeah I don t know how she lost it I wanted her to win so much that day...

[@jordanaus75]

@@doctorsteevo she lost it because she was not very fit, hence as the match wears on she misses more, she gets slower and her shots get weaker. Aranxta is the 'lesser' player but her tactics of wearing her down worked.

[@alvarodepradosanz]

Well, Arantxa played great, not to diminish her victory... Monica killed her at second set, but well deserved victory.

[@kewsiyehboah6058]

Bravo Upload.. Head 2 Head.. Monica ( 19 ) Vs Arantxa ( 3 )..

[@carrerau7138]

Seles didn‘t play in 1993-95 when Sanchez was peaking.

[@sssimon6156]

Nobody wears you down like Arantxa. Seles was tired by the third set and no wonder with Arantxa getting so many balls back.

[@heatherratliff1813]

Monica had no problem beating her in the 92 us open final

[@broncoguy4862]

@@heatherratliff1813 The 1992 Monica Seles was still growing and far fitter than the 1998 Monica Seles. After she returned, getting gassed in 3-set matches was pretty much normal for Seles.

[@bjoernrietz6401]

That loss really hit me hard. :(

[@juju1305]

Same here. Same pattern as her us 1995 loss. Should have won both in straight sets :(

[@anto_moreno7198]

Dos leyendas del tenis

[@pradeeppulakil380]

Great match.

[@preciousjey]

I love the reaction to Arantxa's passing drop shot dink thing.

[@craigmills3583]

I remember this well. First time I think I’ve ever watched it since. Was painful! Credit to Sanchez vicario but Monica should have won this. She deserved it after everything she had gone through and especially as her dad had just died. Not to mention she was a far better player than Sanchez. Still think this is the one that got away.

[@geminigeek1839]

I thought so too - Seles should have won this but credit goes to Vacario who was able to win this. It felt like after Seles won the 1996 Australian Open, she didn't seem to play at the level she used to and she didn't seem to care, it's like hey I've proven everyone I can win a major after my comeback, why bother?

[@capitacaldera02]

This time she wasn't the better one.

[@floben2039]

U dont like.sport.if you think that. Sanchez just run on each ball.

[@zeddeka]

Monica just ran out of energy. Arantxa knew that if she could keep Monica out there long enough then she'd win. Arantxa played a really skilful match, using her slice backhand more than usual to make Monica dig out the ball and generate her own pace. In many ways, it was a similar tactic to the one Steffi Graf used against Monica in the 1995 US Open final. Use that slice to drain Monica's energy.

[@heatherratliff1813]

If Monica was in better shape she would've won this match....

[@FranciscoAracena]

Como se extraña el juego de Mónica, que jugadora actual puede hacer un tiro como este? 1:35

[@davidcarrasco8533]

Ninguna, era una jugadora única y muy especial, una máquina fuera de serie a la que un loco destruyó una carrera con un gran número de grand slams

[@valentinodelpiero4861]

Fue pionera en la agresión en el tenis femenino. Moldeó el juego de hoy. Ridículo cómo despedía de ambos lados y los ángulos que creaba

[@rafarequeni822]

Así, de cabeza, Hsieh, Halep, Kasatkina o Andreescu. Radwanska también, pero ya no juega.

[@zeddeka]

Arantxa played such a clever match. Knowing that she was fitter than Monica, she made her work for absolutely everything and wore her down by the end. Monica by contrast played a strange match - she played Arantxa's backhand way, way too much.

[@jasonenglisbe9646]

T H Yes, it’s odd how often she drove to Arantxa’s backhand only to get passed crosscourt.

[@gk891]

Arantxa also played more aggressively in this match than she normally does, especially off of the forehand side. And she anticipated Seles' shots much better in this match than most of the others. There were times where Seles looked unprepared to hit another shot.

[@zeddeka]

@@gk891 comparing this to their 1991 final, I think Arantxa had learned to pick her moments about when to be aggressive. She used her slice backhand much, much more in this match than in 1991 and played a much steadier, calmer match. In 1991 it seemed that she thought she had to be Uber aggressive and as a result she made a lot of errors. It's almost like in this match she knew she could outlast Monica, so really worked at constructing points, and making as few errors as possible.

[@zeddeka]

@@jasonenglisbe9646 yup, very weird. In their other matches, Monica really targeted Arantxa's Weaker forehand.

[@moviefan4life166]

I agree. The ASV forehand was so weak, it was a pushy, loopy shot with very little penetration that went cross court 90% of the time. Monica was usually able to rip that apart but she hit too many balls to Arantxa’s reliable backhand and for some reason was bad at putting away balls at the net.

[@andyray6324]

Monica will later say that it was the most painful defeat in her career. She cried at the hotel all night. And I cried with her that day

[@grantgoffin4774]

I used to cheer for Seles even though I was also a Graf fan, and felt bad for her at the time of this loss, but now being exposed to her crazy fans who are the worst sports fans on the whole planet, I am now so glad she lost and got to cry in the hotel room all night. Imagine crushing Hingis who owns you in the semis in maybe your best match of your whole career, then losing your last real chance of a slam by losing to your career pigeon Sanchez Vicario, who Hingis would have crushed as well (Hingis is 18-2 vs Sanchez). Too funny, LOL!

[@jm7804]

@@grantgoffin4774 Lyin' douchebag. You never cheered for Monica with that attitude. "See, you made me hate her. Look what you guys did." F***ing idiot tool.

[@grantgoffin4774]

@@jm7804 You don't know me so you don't have a clue about anything. Federer is the same. I was his biggest fan ever at one point, and I could barely watch his slam finals as I was so nervous and wanted him to win so badly everytime. Especialy ones I knew he might lose like RG finals to Nadal. His fans have gotten so batshit crazy though, nearly as bad as Selestials in some cases, that I root for both Nadal and Djokovic to break all his records now.

[@jm7804]

@@grantgoffin4774 Every fanbase has crazy fans. None of them more so than Graf. Her fans are certifiable. Your statement is so transparent. It's idiotic in fact. One of two things is at work here...1) You're gaslighting Seles fans, which is most likely, or 2) You're a complete moron incapable of any mature choices. There is no third or fourth choice.

[@grantgoffin4774]

@@jm7804 Graf has 1 crazy fan who was atleast smart enough to find a way to sneak into the stadium with a weapon and stab someone. Knowing Selestials I am sure there are thousands, maybe millions (if she even has millions of fans which is questionable but nearly every Seles fan is this crazy) who fantasized and wanted to do the same to Graf, Hingis, a Williams sister, Davenport anyone who regularly kicked Seles's overrated ass coming and going and has a dominant head to head with her. Unlike Parche they just aren't smart enough to figure out how to do it, make a plan, and get past security though.

[@ludwigvanbeethoven61]

Definitely one of the loudest Finals ever played

[@user-be5qg7mr1s]

Great contrast in playing styles..it looked like vicario was weathering the storm until she got a short backhand which she could angle for winners

[@3883melange]

So incredible!!

[@meneerkonijn74]

Not to take it away from Arantxa, but this is still heartbreaking to watch

[@heatherratliff1813]

Monica would've won this if she was in better shape

[@mrroygaskin6046]

Wow!!! Just wow!

[@souicerp1]

We seldom see great sportsmanship these days 😃

[@andrews6341]

Actually pre stabbing of Monica , the players hated her. Graf was always extremely cold and after it. Sanchez questioned line calls constantly. There was a period around 87 to 97 were players did not even interact whatsoever.

[@8sabu1982]

Bonita e intensa Final 😍

[@laviniaparisi9154]

I was sure that Monica would have won this final against Arantxa. What a pity! I was rooting for her. However Sanchez was great fighter and Seles always immense champion.

[@onetwocue]

I remwmber this drop shot that vicario did. She couldve swung away with a big swinging volley or hit a big overhead. But all she did was tapped it over. That was a mesmerizing point from this match that as a kid i remeber well. 16:08

[@pradeeppulakil380]

ASV is a great playwr

[@pradeeppulakil380]

1996 Rogers cup she deserves the cup

[@ΚωνσταντινοςΚαραλης-ω8ψ]

I plead you, someone show seles versus Brenda Schultz,Chicago 1993

[@ekafardiani1073]

An interesting fact about Steffi Graf Sanchez and Monica Seles, they started the grandslam title win from Rolland Garos. Steffi Graf 87 Sanchez 89 and Monica Seles 90.

[@Eboe89]

seles’ last slam final and it really seemed like she was destined to win this one final RG, especially coming off the tough loss of her father, her lifelong coach. unfortunately the stars didn’t align but she was so gracious in defeat. for someone who was the most successful teenager of all time, womens OR mens (8 slams before the age of 20!!!!) it surely seems she would’ve continued on bulldozing the field and only gotten better had the stabbing not happened, perhaps reaching 20+ slams. but the fact she’s never seemed bitter, resentful or felt sorry for herself over what happened (when she has every right to) and was just happy to get to get back out competing proves how much of a class act she is.

[@MachoDefeaters]

This one is reminisce US Open 1995 final but the difference was Seles had all the opportunities for the whole match compare the match with Graf. In the 1st set Seles broke early to lead 2-0 but she got broke back right away then got another break for 5-3 lead and serving for the first set 30-all she hit great 1st serve got easy ball (but tricky) she choose to run around and smashed the ball into the net! It would be easier if she hit it with her BH drive deep into the corner for a winner. Sanchez survived (as she always does!) and got a break to pushed the 1st set into a tiebreak. Then Seles ridiculously getting careless let Arantxa lead 5-1 with errors (started by dropshot obsession) then got little tight a la 96 French Final against Graf making 4 Unforced Errors 1 backhand and the other 3 were ugly forehands to get Seles the chance to steal the set. But finally get a set point after huge serve to the T surprised Monica and netted the return. Down 5-6 if only monica remember the last 3 points when Arantxa gifted the points with ugly forehands she must aim all the shots to FH right? Nope! She attack her BH try to get a short ball from Sanchez but she said “Not today!” and she finally tricked Monica with slice then after several attempt she hit it hard with angle out of Monica’s hitting zone “VOILA” another forehand errors for the set. The 2nd set was a meltdown for Arantxa, Monica shots all landed in and making only 4 Unforced Errors and won the set too easy 6-0 without breaking a sweat! Here’s the problem if you won the set too easy either you need to run away with it or you’re in trouble just like in the 3rd set Seles had a chance to run away but failed to convert all break points on Arantxa serve. 15-40 in the first game and the fifth game then another 30-40 on the third game all gone with erros one of them where she had an open court, Sanchez hit a tricky floater (if its Novotna, Hingis, Graf or Williams sister they will move forward and hit a volley) and Seles elected to bounce and hit the ball way too hard and too long. In the end Monica had mountain to climb and the court getting smaller and missing way too many chances! By contrast Arantxa out tricked, out willed Monica by fighting with her heart out and got Monica Seles under her resume for another French Open tittles beside beating Graf and Pierce.

[@valentinodelpiero4861]

Wonderful comment. As Seles fan this hurts like nothing but I must confess that Arantxa played her heart out for this match, and gained the win

[@MachoDefeaters]

Valentino Del Piero Of course, people are rooting for her to re-claim her greatness sadly for some reason she never arrived.

[@valentinodelpiero4861]

TheTennis808 still can’t get over that ran over missed overhead smash at 5-3 30-30 that could have given Monica set point... she really was to winning this match, more if you consider how she had erased off court #1 Hingis in the semis... once again Arantxa shows how she has gained her position among the best players of the 90s, that is Monica, Steffi and Arantxa. In fact, she is the only player that managed to beat them both in Grand Slam finals (twice Steffi at 89 French and 94 USO and Monica here)

[@MachoDefeaters]

Valentino Del Piero You know what even when she’s down and Arantxa play good service game to lead 5-2 in the third, Monica (just like Graf back in the days) are the players that can take the match out of the opponent hands, when i watch it live i still believe that Monica will turned the match around because she’s such imposing figure back in the 90’s that can get the opponent rattled. Oh boy i was wrong... and i was sooo shocked that she folded like a cheap tent! If only she realized if its her last chance to win a Grandslam she might be re-group a la Graf in 1996 French Open Final, when Graf was down 3-5 in the final set serving Steffi make sure she played high percentage shot and always in the lead (30-0, 40-15) to make Arantxa work for the game and hold! because anything could happen when players trying to served out the match especially players like Arantxa. When Arantxa served for the title Steffi took it to her “Hey Arantxa im gonna put the ball in play not making any silly tactical mistake you have to win the match” tactic. You have to make Arantxa confused and take it to her believe me i’ve seen so many matches when Arantxa rattled because she can’t play her defensive game. It happens in that 96 Final as well coupe weeks earlier in Rome 98 SF against Venus. Monica certainly can do it as well it happens a year before in Tokyo 1997 when she won 7-6 in the 3rd. But on that June 6th, 1998 Monica simply doesn’t have PATIENCE, , she just doesnt want to rally when she has to! First point went long next 2 points went quick with 2 desperate winners at 30-15 lost IMPORTANT rally (WHEN SHE HAS TO WIN) after looong point and ended with Monica netted high defensive lob with “not commited” Smash with an error for 30 all Arantxa said “GOT YA’” this typical Arantxa is a nightmare for every opponents and Monica (like what i’ve said) folded like a cheap tent ended the match with tragic error.

[@ВладимирЛапин-р6б]

@@MachoDefeaters Arantxa won the match herself. She made a lot of amazing winners at crucial moments. Statistics of the 3rd set of 13 winners and a total of 5 unforced errors. An incredible indicator of a top tennis player. With this game of Aranta, Monica had no choice but to attack and take risks. In 1996, Aranta was just very unlucky. Steffi’s tactics had nothing to do with it. For some reason, fate decided to mock and humiliate Arantxa in full. This victory is little comfort for what happened to Sanchez in 1996.

[@LorenzoRosso-g6e]

MONICA MONICA MONICA ! Without the stab in Hamburg, would have been THE QUEEN of RolandGarros for a decade ! 😢

[@rubensmenares]

Que linda era Mónica Seles

[@pjw1980]

Beautiful handshake

[@zuleykamariana]

Monica has power and accuracy but Arantxa is the real fighter.

[@ipiap]

This time Sanchez managed to wear Seles down. But their head to head (19:3 for Monica) tells a whole different story.

[@jean-danielmartino9619]

Quelles championnes !!!

[@ahangermanzoor5175]

Aranxta was so talented but she was not so lucky as she was defeated by Steffi Graff by number of times in wimbeldon finals and Australian open final

[@stevyyjay85]

Sanchez and Graf met in these GS finals: 1989 - FO - Sanchez won 1994 - AO - Graf won 1994 - USO - Sanchez won 1995 - FO - Graf won 1995 - W - Graf won 1996 - FO - Graf won 1996 - W - Graf won 5:2 for Graf. Against other players: 5:2 - Sanchez 4:2 - Navratilova 3:3 - Seles 2:1 - Sabatini 2:0 - Sukova 2:0 - Fernandez 1:0 - Hingis 1:0 - Zvereva 1:0 - Evert 1:0 - Novotna 0:1 - Davenport

[@zeddeka]

Sad in many ways to see these two playing. Tennis really left them with some terrible scars. Arantxa with the well publicised problems with her family. Monica the stabbing and the other sadnesses she talked about in her books. It seems the tennis world has wrecked a lot of lives over the years.

[@robbydasilva3522]

This was Seles' 10 GS that got away. She was the clear favorite and had a lopsided H2H vs ASV. Aranxta played marvelously though.

[@carrerau7138]

That is simply not true. Since her return to the tour Seles had not won even one of the 9 clay court tournaments she had played. In the same time ASV won 2 titles.

[@8sabu1982]

Arantxa jugó increíble 💪🏻💪🏻👏🏻👏🏻😜

[@anthonydecastro6938]

Seles should have won this one, a FINAL, and at Roland Garros no less. That first set was crucial. She should have won it. Again, in three set matches, Monica shows her handicap. Many people see the great shots from both wings of Monica, but they do not see that these actually take a lot from her (her grunting shows the effort put in every shot). When she was younger, she won in straight sets because she needed to and she could do it. But in her late twenties, she would inevitably run out of gas in the third set. Arantxa of course could slug it out; she's tenacious. But Arantxa's limitations are there for everybody to see. A nothing serve for example; Monica would step into the court to receive her serves, particularly her second serves. And though she is also capable of sharp angles, there is not sting in her shots. Clearly superior to both of them was Steffi Graf whose serve was particularly lethal...

[@davidcarrasco8533]

Este partido debió ganarlo Mónica, pero la mejor condición física de Arantxa marco la diferencia, físicamente Mónica no aguanto la exigencia del partido, se dejó ver la calidad de la Mónica de antes de la puñalada pero le faltó físico, me alegré por Arantxa pero mi corazón quería que ganase Mónica, siempre quise que volviese a su nivel de antaño y que pusiera a Graf en su sitio como n°2 pero no fue posible y reino a placer..

[@edvardga5380]

En efecto Monica merecio ganar referente a poner a Steffi Graf en su lugar Graf siempre domino a Monica sus triunfos sobre Graf fueron autenticas batallas pero sus derrotas ante Steffi fueron muy claras, Graf se quedo con el 1 y su record 10-5 frente a seles

[@davidcarrasco8533]

@@edvardga5380 Te recuerdo que la N°1 era Mónica, y su dominio sobre Graf era evidente, después del incidente en Hamburgo no fue así debido a sus problemas que todos conocemos, de ahí viene el resultado final de sus encuentros, de no haber ocurrido aquello Graf no tendría ni la mitad del palmarés que tiene, y eso que Mónica no había terminado de sacar todo su potencial siendo Graf 4 años mayor y con más experiencia, Seles N°1 AO 91,92,93, RG 90,91,92, US open 91,92 Máster 90,91,92 y en Wimbledon ya estaba lanzada ya llegó a la final en e l 92, no participo en el 91 por lesión, ganó allí a navratilova en semis 92, la balanza era favorable a Seles, solo Wimbledon le quedó y lo hubiese ganado fijo en el 93 pero no pudo ser, jamás fue la misma a su regreso en el 95, y Graf se aprovechó indirectamente de una circunstancia , no tuvo la culpa pero salió beneficiada porque Seles en los grandes podía con ella por algo era la n1 no hay más debate, tidas las leyendas de tenis dicen lo mismo no sólo yo por algo sera

[@rafarequeni822]

Lo mejor que le pudo pasar a Seles fue que la apuñalaran. Así pasó a la leyenda de "la que hubiera sido la mejor del mundo de no ser por...". Ostapenko tendría que haber pedido que la apuñalaran después del Roland Garros de 2017 y así podrían reinar las dos juntitas en el imaginario colectivo. Se parecen muchísimo ambas, jugadoras de pelotazo a la línea y si entra bien y sino mala suerte. La Monica Seles de 1998 tenía 25 añitos, no era una abuela, y estaba en la forma física de su vida. Una pequeña herida de 2cm de profundidad en el hombro derecho y que no causó ningún daño muscular no influencia para nada al físico de una jugadora que sacaba con la izquierda y pegaba todo lo demás a dos manos. Me he hecho cortes más graves afeitándome. A Mónica le pasó lo que a Ostapenko o a Raducanu: llegó de la nada y arrasó a todo el mundo con un juego espectacular, hasta que la gente aprendió cómo jugarle (a ver por qué os creéis que Arantxa se tira todo el partido tirándole reveses cortados al drive) y sobre todo, hasta que una nueva generación de jugadoras físicamente más poderosas (Davenport, Klijsters, Williams, Sharapova...) se le cruzaron por el camino convirtiendo su juego de buscar el winner en cada golpe en una táctica suicida. La única diferencia es que su racha duró casi dos años en lugar de dos meses, pero ya en el año del apuñalamiento Graff había cambiado la táctica de juego para enfrentarse a ella.

[@iusespontaneo196]

@@rafarequeni822 no tenés ni maldita idea.

[@rafarequeni822]

@@iusespontaneo196 ¡Ay, cómo duelen las verdades...! A Martina Hingis no la apuñaló nadie, pero le pasó exactamente lo mismo. Lo ganó todo con 18 años, y luego adiós. A partir del 95-96 el tenis femenino ya no es el deporte semiamateur de antes; los entrenadores empiezan a insistir en la preparación física y el circuito se llena de atletas que revientan la bola en cada golpe (la era de la "gacela rusa" que decía Seles en su autobiografía), y ya no hay técnica que valga a menos que vaya acompañada de una fuerza similar. Justine Henin pudo machacarse en el gimnasio para conseguirlo, Hingis y Seles no. Fin de la historia.

[@zmeskic2]

the rain did the difference, heavy balls and slow court - all the credits for AS to use the opportunity and win it

[@eddyccoyllo1260]

Que ??? Pensé el titulo era para Monica 😅

[@ВладимирЛапин-р6б]

Arantxa is very beautiful here. Great dress, great figure

[@충헨리]

Seles lost her patience to play with Arantxa, who was so defensive when dealing with the powerful ground strokes of Seles. Her flat hittings became more irritable in the 3rd set and she lost many chances to win the points. If Seles could have won the first set with more patience in the tie-break, she would become a 10 grand slams title winner.

[@moviefan4life166]

Yep. She needed to win in straight sets on this day. She pretty much owned ASV.

[@laviniaparisi9154]

I agree. Monica lost the game when she lost the first set. I was sorry! I' d want that she won her!!😢😢

[@WONGLER]

Terrible that screaming of Seles

[@JordanjamesX]

Arantxa was the better athlete she was fitter than Monica. Arantxa just grinded Monica down. She showed the limitations of Seles game Monica had no plan B. Amazing counterpunching by Arantxa forcing Monica to hit the extra ball.

[@craigmills3583]

JordanjamesX that’s the one and only thing she had over Monica. Otherwise Monica was a far better player. Just look at their head to head

[@thebigmonstaandy6644]

that was post prime Seles,who was not fit as in 1991-1993

[@Volker7578]

It was a bad Plan A by Monica. She made a few mistakes strategikally.

[@anthonydecastro6938]

great of course to see Arantxa win this one. but really she was lucky to win the first set; and she deserved that 6-0 drubbing in the second set. she just kept on feeding those short balls to Monica who was punishing them at will. she kind of woke up in the third set and started to move Monica around, from side to side, exploiting Monica's weakness which was her movement. I was surprised not to see her employ the dropshot every now and then; Monica's movement front to the net is even more handicapped. Arantxa's problem is not in her strokes; she can slug it out with anybody out there for hours. her problem is in her head; she does not use it as much as she needs to...

[@ferdyspears]

I have never wanted to watch this match. When I saw Monica walk out with the same pink scrunchie from 1990 , I lost it. Monica, so much taken from a player just entering her prime.

[@SDSFG45]

should've been Monica's 4th French. And I remember watching her lose this match, and automatically I went to HATING Gunther Parche....because after he stabbe Monica, NO ONE can deny or claim that the time away from the sport, as well as the psychological toll the stabbing had on her, affected her game as well as her body. She wasnt a step slow against Arantxa...she was two or 3 steps slower. But Arantxa STILL won the match, fair and square. And against one of the greatest French Open champs, she damn near played the match of her life, to wint the French that year. I take nothing away from her.

[@michaellee888]

Seles hit hard but for some reason most of them landed short allowing Sanchez to do what she does best which is to counter punch. Sanchez successfully tired out Seles. Seles' 120 sq inch head size racquet and one inch longer gave ample power but at a heavy swing weight cost. Had Seles' racquet been 100 sq inch with the one inch long like Hingis the lighter swing weight would have helped Seles in a longer match. Seles used her best against Hingis. And Hingis used her best against Venus Williams. Sanchez just waited for her opportunities and played a really smart match. Seles' racquet was a liability in this match and gave Sanchez an opportunity to use a successful strategy against.

[@8sabu1982]

En el segundo Set, Seles pasó como un ciclón, 😮😯😲

[@nambelas]

The same umpire coached RG 1999 final.

[@MoneyMatter-y2b]

Peak Monica Seles would have been super successfun evenl if she had played in this present era.

[@poussinhamzah4013]

Je l'avais vu en direct et je me demande toujours comment Seles aurait pu perdre cette finale.

[@rogerdocouto3798]

C'est simple . Arantxa a gagné tactiquement ce match en développant un jeu qui dans les conditions du jour a déstabilisé Seles. Alors qu'elle était moins forte que Seles, elle a su utiliser chacun de ses atouts pour battre une adversaire qui n'est pas loin d'être sa bête noire...Arantxa mérite vraiment sa victoire

[@thorium222]

After watching this I really don't understand how and why Monica lost the first set.

[@vanlendl1]

Stupid, to lose the first set.

[@8sabu1982]

Partidazo

[@ludwigvanbeethoven61]

I was for aranxia she had a such devotion to get everything. Seles was just bam bam bam. Seles got tired in the end