STEFFI GRAF AND MONICA SELES

Since 1987, Steffi Graf has been the world's top-ranked tennis player eight time
s. Monica Seles has been ranked Number 1 four times.
Last September, Steffi and Monica played in the final of the U.S. Open for the s
econd straight year.
The match was terrific. But Steffi's 90-mile-per-hour serve and warp-speed foreh
and were too much for Monica. Steffi won her fifth U.S. Open championship. She h
as beaten Monica eight of the 12 times they have played.
"Beating Monica is an incredible feeling," says Steffi. "I've never played again
st someone who is so mentally intense. It makes me concentrate more because if I
let up, I would be finished."
Steffi, age 27, and Monica, 23, are opposites, on and off the court. "Our matche
s are exciting because we have such different styles," says Monica.
"I rely on my speed," says Steffi, "and she relies on her powerful groundstrokes
and strategy."
Off the court, Steffi is shy while Monica enjoys being in the public eye. "She d
oesn't mind going on talk shows," says Steffi, "and I hate talking about myself.
"
On the court, the two players definitely bring out the best in each other. "When
I play Steffi, I know that I have to raise my game to another level," says Moni
ca. "I know that I am going to have to play unbelievable tennis to beat her."
In 1993, Monica was stabbed by a crazed fan during a match. She stopped competin
g for more than two years. She returned in August 1995. Steffi was happy to have
her back in action! "I'm very glad Monica came back," says Steffi. "She and I h
ave fought for that Number one spot fiercely for so many years. She makes me pla
y my best."
Source:
Friendly rivals. By: Fialkov, Harvey, Sports Illustrated for Kids, 1042394X, Dec
96, Vol. 8, Issue 12
----------------