The Graf–Seles rivalry was a tennis rivalry between Steffi Graf and Monica Seles, who competed in 15 matches between 1989 and 1999. Seles, a left-handed player, demonstrated powerful and precise hitting from the baseline on both wings and an exceptional return of serve. Graf, in contrast, had a formidable forehand, in addition to her penetrating serve, first rate foot speed, and mostly sliced her backhand. Their rivalry was especially notable for its change over time. Graf was dominant on tour in Seles' first years, then Seles was dominant at the Grand Slams winning three of the four matches they played between the ages of 17 and 19. During the period where Seles first reached the No. 1 spot in 1991, the head-to-head saw Graf leading 3–2, with all of their matches coming in tournament finals. In April 1993, the rivalry was temporarily halted when a fan of Graf stabbed Seles on-court, prompting her to take a hiatus after recovering. Graf won four of their five matches from 1995 onward.

List of all matches

<big style="font-weight:bold;">Graf–Seles (10–5)

Breakdown of the rivalry

WTA rankings

Year-end ranking timeline

History

Graf won eight of nine majors before Seles won her first. Seles surpassed Graf as the No. 1 player in March 1991, and won seven of nine grand slam titles during the period of 1991–1993. The two traded the number one ranking through the summer of 1991 before Seles consolidated her hold on the top spot. Graf in the end did recapture the No. 1 ranking from Seles in June 1993, after Seles was forced out of the sport due to her stabbing.

Notable matches