Steffi Graf vs. Sabine Appelmans Hannover 1998 QF ⭐

[@dinomijatovic3921]

What a great match, probably the best performance from Appelmans, what a terrific comeback from Steffi in the 2nd set too!

[@antonioperez6489]

Those were difficult times for Steffi coming back from injuries and trying to find competitive pace.

[@Summon256]

Nice classic from penultimate year of Steffi's career...

[@blahkayonaFriday]

Applemans was such an underrated player

[@kloatlanta]

She had trouble with lefties this year.

[@DM-qe1dr]

Sure did… Patty Schnyder in US Open same year in 3rd or 4th round, same lefty style.

[@gk891]

@@DM-qe1dr I can understand Graf's loss to Schnyder. Schnyder was like a wizard on the court who played with some extreme topspin which is a type of game that Steffi hated. I think her loss to Appelmans were very demoralizing though as she often never had trouble with her in the past.

[@jayflo_g]

@@gk891she also had wrist surgery right after the loss against PS & was hiding her hand at the post match press conference

[@gk891]

@@jayflo_g For sure, I'm aware of it. But with the way Patty played on that day, I think it might not have mattered at all. I can see Schnyder potentially winning that match anyways. Maybe not at the same score but I can see her troubling Steffi greatly.

[@DM-qe1dr]

Appelmans seemed to be reading Graf’s shots super well here. If I had a dime every time Appelmans hit a wide slice serve in ad side and Steffi’s slice return went right down the middle! Clearly Graf struggling with several things here, match play being one of the main things…

[@ipiap]

I saw this match back then on German TV. Steffi was badly mocked by the commentator and was - perhaps for the first time - called Stephanie Graf. The presenter just could not accept a weaker performance from her.

[@Tjordful]

I think appelmans was a natural born righty.

[@JoelReed0]

Appelmans ended up losing to Schnyder in straight sets in the next round.

[@NOTHEOTHERGUY]

Battle of the lefties!

[@raulpontello8519]

So happy for Appelmans, Graff complaining and whining for everything, as usual.

[@nipaipo36100]

quelle mauvaise perdante cette stephanie haha.