What a fantastic level of tennis from both players! Steffi was particularly impressive that day: speed, strength and grace. I could watch her play at this level for years to come.
Despite losing in straight sets, Chrissie made this more competitive than their previous matches in the Miami final and Fed Cup final where Steffi lost only six games total. Plus, Chrissie dismantled Martina in the semifinals 6-2, 6-1 so she still had a good tournament.
I wouldn’t put too much stock on Martina’s loss to Evert here. Weeks later, at the US Open, it was Martina who beat Steffi and won the whole thing whereas Evert lost to McNeil in the quarterfinals . Proving that Martina was just using this as a warm up tournament.
@@CarloChapelle Yes, Martina won the US Open and Wimbledon over Steffi, but she needed to be winning these smaller tournaments as well to maintain her number one ranking. It was exciting that Chrissie was still beating Martina here and there and keeping their rivalry interesting while "spoiling" a few potential Steffi-Martina clashes.
@@christopherproietti645 It seems that during that stretch (87-89), Chris’ wins over Martina (with the exception of the ‘88 Australia) were outside the majors whilst Martina’s wins over Chris (with the exception of the ‘88 Chicago indoor tournament ) were in majors (starting with the ‘87 French semi).
The Evert / Graf rivalry was an unusual one. Only one of their matches went to three sets. Chris won the first 6 matches and Steffi won the remaining 8 (which included one walkover at the 1988 US Open when Chris had to withdraw due to illness).
Steffi won her last 8 matches against Chris even if you didn't count her default in 1988 us open SF against Steffi. I don't know why WTA site didn't count their 1987 Fed cup match in Vancouver which Graf won in straight set.
@@yussepig6629still she thrashed Chrissy in last 8 matches by losing a single set😂😂. Frankly she lacked athleticism & power to compete with Steffi. It's like two were playing different sports.
Well many sets were close and Chrissie got old and injured. An old injured Evert almost beat peak Graf at Boca in 1989. A peak Evert would hold 14-0 record against her. Her backhand was shit frankly
@@yussepig6629peak Evert couldn't compete with Navratilova losing 13 consecutive matches against her😂😂 & had a losing records against a 100 pounds with 50 mph serve Tracy Austin 😂😂. So no chance against peak Steffi who was better than both Martina & Tracy in terms of FH, serve , Speed, power, footwork & mental strength. Again Graf BH wasn't weak, she used it as a slice. Martina, Davenport & Seles called it the most underrated shot in WTA. BTW Evert had to play match of her life to a take a set from Steffi in 1989 Boca Raton let alone to beat her. While a past prime & injured Steffi in her last year's was good enough to beat peak Hingis, Davenport & powerful Williams sisters.
