@@aleksandarfrick2656 Apparently it is not. Otherwise Steffi wouldn’t win all those GOAT polls all over the world and would not still be the most popular female tennis player of all time (by a wide margin). Most fans know that Seles profited far more from Steffi’s off-court problems and injuries than Steffi ever might have profited from this small stab wound Seles received in 1993.
Totally agree a lot of Serena's titles she beat her older and less powerful and speedy sister Venus This was my 21 at Birthday present this match to me only bettered by Becker v Level 1988 semi Final
Tennis from 30 years ago is massively more entertaining. Variety has gone these days. Screams like a lady giving birth or getting murdered are in. Very one-dimensional. Almost every match is a clone of the other. Occasional exception. I enjoy watching Kerber play. Her spirit is positive and ferocious. She is quite unpredictable.
Both women had ALL THE SHOTS. Groundstrokes, slice, volley, overhead, dropshots. They used to play the game so beautifully and clean. Today's game is just a contest to determine who can hit the ball harder and who can scream the loudest
Not agrree.. on that day.. the technology on racket, string.. is not as good as advance as today... and the bio mechanic reaearch is now more advance.. so player can hit more efficient and faster.. don’t forget that the method of training also better which pro player can play with age more than 30 years
Monica Seles was already the most dominant player by this stage and was screaming , after her comeback her screaming got even louder. Having said that , it said a lot for the state of the womens game , an overweight woman steamrolling oppenents after not playing for 2 years . Apart from Graf of course.
One of the best game ever!! Steffi’s forehand and footwork were amazing. Both of them gave it all. Nice to see serve and valley game again. The younger players should learn from these two. ❤️
Hoy es un tenis de pura potencia, antes se veian más globos, muchos drops, y de verdad el revés de Gaby, y su gran Willie, hoy en la actualidad, no se ve, Graf tenía potencia y determinación; en la actualidad, no hay jugadora que ejecute la gran Willie con la pureza técnica que lo hacía Gaby Sabatini.
Quite true, and she also got the weakest backhand in history. If not for her footwork and speed to run around her weak backhand she would be out of tennis in 3 months.
@@oliverjuria993 I humbly disagree on that point. She has what is of reminiscent of Sampras's: it's deceptive and lulls the opponent, and it is also manipulates her rival into feeding her fearsome forehand. But, watch when Sampras or Graf is attacked at the net: Boom! a perfectly-executed topspin backhand.
@@oliverjuria993 The purpose of the background was to keep the ball low so it popped the ball up for her to run around and use the foreheand. It was a strategic move, not a weakness.
That forehand at 2:03:45. Seriously the forehand of the decade right there. Now man or woman could pull of that shot with those old rackets and old strings. She hits it late on her back foot off a slice behind the baseline. Unbelievable.
Agreed. It was literally written on the face of every spectator too. Fierce battle that was so very close. They both were such calm players too and went about their business with zero drama or fuss. This only seemed to add to the tension. So much was at stake
Seriously? Women's tennis pre-Seles was so weak. Seeing Graf bowl everyone over with basically no outstanding attributes to her game shows how weak women's tennis was for so long.
Maybe in that match I cheered on Gaby because she had never won to Wimbledon and I think she would have deserved it at last once.But Steffi was incredible. That was her worst period and she won the same.
Steffi is my all time favorite, I followed her entire career and the ups and downs through the journey. I must say, seeing Diana shook my heart, the day she died was crushing for me (Loved her).
Two of the truest beauties of the game, playing just as beautifully. This match is one of my all time favorites despite my utter devastation at the final outcome. Gabby was so close, twice. I'm still mournful of her letting those opportunities get away from her to this very day. So sad.
Well said! I do wonder if fatigue became a factor in the end. They kept showing the on court thermometer and it said 99 degrees in the sun. Gaby was known to fade in long matches and had anemia. I think she looked a bit tired in the last 5-6 games of the match. Her serve had been well placed, but she lost depth and placement in her last 3 service games. She held at 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 without much fuss and only lost serve once in the first set. Steffi went for more, but Gaby needed to place that first serve well in the backhand corner.
Carrerau7138. Yes and she has 11 total wins over Steffi which is more than any other player as well. Still, she has plenty of 3 set losses to Graf, including bunches and bunches in 3 sets to Steffi, especially in majors. Beating Steffi in a major was no small accomplishment. It’s hard to know what happened when Gaby twice served for the match. I think it was a combo of nerves and fatigue. The temps at Wimbledon are usually very comfortable in the 70’s. To suddenly have to play a match at around 100 that requires defending Graf’s power, and using aggressive net rushing over 2 plus hours. I’d say the physical and mental toll were mounting for Gaby. She lost the direction and depth on her serve for the first time in the match in those final games. After the us open win in 90 Gaby said she needed to win in straights because she was exhausted. 14 times Graf beat her in 3 sets. In many, Gaby became drained in the end. She had to work so hard, running all over to use her heavy topspin and set up all court points. I think a more fresh Gaby serving with solid depth to Steffi’s backhand wins this match 6-4 in the 3rd. But Steffi is arguably the goat and has won lots of matches she probably shouldn’t have due to sheer will and nerves of steel plus her fitness.
@@moviefan4life166 Steffi won the first 8 three-set matches against 16/17-year-old baby Sabatini in 1985-87. But from 1988 to 1995 Sabatini won 8 of 14 three-setters.
Yes there are many similarities to their game too. Both have very effective serves (may not be the biggest, but extremely effective) and both like to run around their backhands to hit a forehand.
Lo que siento al ver este video, mas alla del resultado, es ORGULLO, de que GABY NUNCA PROTESTO, Y SIEMPRE CON UNA SONRISA, Y ADMIRADA POR SUS PARES, GABY ORGULLO ARGENTINO Y MUNDIAL!!!!!!!.
In this match was less unlucky snd generally also in the rest of her carrer. She would have merit to win more. Maybe she missed of instint killer, but she had Great class and talent.
WOW! Graf was two points from defeat. That point 01:59:43 shows why some players are great champions, nerves of steel and 100% concentration at the most dangerous time.
Yep...the one against Novotna, then there was that other one against Hingis at Paris..that is what separates the best from the greats .when the going gets tough the tough get going
Impressed! Gabriela had all the shots, beautiful technique, they both adjusted their game for grass. They honored the game and the surface they played on
Arguably the very best woman’s one handed backhand of all time….angles, topspin, flat, down the line rippers, the passing shots and lobs, the biting slice and the volleys at net. The flair factor really puts it over the top.
Harry. It’s very subjective and Justine had a beautiful backhand, but there was even a group of pro’s polled on this very topic and Gaby was the one that consistently mentioned as having the best one handed backhand. Mary Pierce in recently times also said if she was constructing the perfect player, she would have Gaby’s backhand because it was the prettiest backhand she’s ever seen. That says it all. Justine packed a big punch for a relatively short woman though and was always amazing to watch. She was so skilled!
@@sayresrudy2644 In Seles‘s two best years 1991 & 1992 Steffi was 3-1 win/loss against Seles and 2-6 against Sabatini even though Seles was of course the better player. Steffi had more problems with the style of tennis Gaby played. Seles‘s game, however, suited her quite well. She gave Steffi the pace she loved.
Gaby beat Steffi more times than any other player ever, and no other player beat her 5 times in a row and on multiple surfaces like Gaby did. Tons of Steffi’s wind were also 3 setters. If someone beat Serena 11 times, including a us open final and year end championships, they sound obviously call them a rival.
@@moviefan4life166 Don't tell that to the nuttier Seles fans...it'll ruin their day. BTW the Graf-Sabatini head to head is 28-11 Graf...so, what about that rivalry again?
Agreed. In 39 meetings, Sabatini was only able to pull off the win 11 times against Graf. That's more like the Serena-Sharapova "rivalry", as in there isn't one.
Sharapova won twice against Serena. The last loss being a slaughter. Gaby was a full on legitimate rival. I don’t understand why the few comments here can’t see that. Facts: Gaby defeated Steffi 11 times, on all surfaces but grass and was 2 points from grass in this match. She won 7 out of 8 over a few years but yes let’s pretend she wasn’t a rival. Most of Steffi’s wins in 3 sets on 15 occasions. Steffi also in her own words described Gaby as one of her most difficult opponents due to her variety and athleticism. Steffi vs Gaby produced some of the most incredible matches of the 80’s and 90’s. Steffi said Martina was her greatest overall rival but Gaby was second, followed by Seles and Sanchez Vicario. All of these women were legitimate competitors and rivals to Steffii. Steffi was superior to them all.
GRANDE GABY, Y GRANDE CON MAYUSCULA, ERES UNA LEYENDA DEL TENIS MUNDIAL FEMENINO, NO SOLO LA MEJOR TENISTA ARGENTINA, SINO REPITO, LEYENDA DEL TENIS MUNDIAL, TU WILLIE NO SERA IGUALADA NUNCA.
One of the classic Wimbledon finals.Sabatini was my favourite player in that era,but when it came to the crunch in the big matches against elite opponents,she just couldn't get it done unfortunately.
Sabatini won the USO 90. And the YEC 94. Bad luck that she had to play in the era of Evert, Navratilova, Graf, Seles. FOUR of the ten greatest players of all time!
Probably the hottest women's finals ever. I know we're not supposed to care about that stuff anymore, but the hair, the outfits, and the physiques of these two ladies are at chef's kiss levels. Also, great match. Very fun to watch.
That 30-30 point at 1:59:30 with Gabby serving for the match at 6-5 ... only Steffi would’ve run down those balls. Turned what would’ve been match point for Gabby into break point and from there the title. Liked them both, but loved watching Steffi dance around the court and thump that forehand.
Yes. It was in effect the determinant of the match. Gaby had the momentum and hit a gorgeous forehand volley with great pace. I think Gaby felt the point was over as when Graf retrieved it, it was one of the only volleys of the match that Gaby just didn’t attack. If Gaby won that point, I think the adrenaline and Graf nerves would have won her the match point to follow. Graf’s athleticism saved this match. I honestly don’t recall any other player attacking Steffi at the net so aggressively as Gaby did at her very best. Gaby would have been number 1 in the world had she won those two points. The two women had fierce battles and Gaby did beat her more than any other player. Many of Graf’s wins were also 3 setters. Fitting that Gaby chose Steffi who was her best friend on tour to induct her into the hall of fame.
The great Steffi Graf competing against her friendly rival Gabriela Sabitini. Both were on fire resulting in an amazing Wimbledon final! The key moment was breaking Gaby and holding serve in the second to last game in the 3rd set. How?... by hitting an incredible forehand inside-out winner to counter a difficult slice approach shot near the baseline (starting at 2:03:30)! And of course, the match point declaring her win with a devastating forehand!!! Steffi Graf’s godly forehand still amazes me to this day even with all the powerful forehands we see in the modern game! The greatest forehand wielded by the best female tennis athlete that I’ve been blessed to witness!!!
What exactly is the point of spoiling the end of the match for everybody. Quite rude and inconsiderate for the sole purpose of gloating and what else ?
sixpoint3 No my comments were not meant to gloat but to acknowledge Steffi’s greatness. Not sure why anyone would look at the comments before finishing the video. It’s meant to react to any part of the match, beginning or ending, so I find it very odd someone would read comments before completely watching the match but I guess some people think and act that way.
@@lb4585 nothing wrong with the forehand although it lost its potency in the later half of her career. Ironically her serve was better when she first arrived on tour. Evidence that messing around with something doesn't make it better. Sabatini should definately had won this match
I can't help but wonder how good would Gabriela have been if he'd had a more powerful first serve. Gaby's first serve looks like a lot of players second serve
@@tomloft2000 In Chris's favor though was her prime was in the wood racket era almost no woman had a 100 mph serve. But in Gaby's time both Steffi and Martina had great serves
Gabby also had stamina issues. She frequently pushed Steffi and Seles deep into 3rd sets but rarely won those matches. To win, she needed to do so quickly. There was speculation that she had a blood issue common to people of Southern European decent (she’s ethnically Italian) that limits energy reserves. Sampras was thought to have it as well.
What's particularly weird was in her younger days circa 85 i think, Gaby had a much stronger first serve. In fact, commentators used to claim it was a weapon
Hands down the best legs ever to grace the court (but enough about me). .jeepers talk about stepping up! What a fab match, those slices were lethal by both. Lovely stuff .
Gabriela player from the superfine class. I didnt't think that this would have been her last final in a Slam: maybe she was penalized from the service and from the power of two extraterrestrial like Seles and Graf. In this occasion she came close to victory. Great Gaby!
This is the most amazing final - love watching it once in awhile again and again - but with these commentators- look what Ann Jones said at the very beginning- Gabby is great but not sure if she can handle it when it gets 5-5 in the third - unbelievable foreseeing !!!
That is uncanny….to her credit Graf held her nerve as she always did. I’ve never seen Graf choke ever, she usually won the close battles outside of the French in 92. She edged Novotna in 93 and Arantxa in 95. In slam finals, Graf was a machine. There were 3 serves at 6-5 Taft Gaby left too short/centered in the box. She did a great job throughout the match of placing her serves deep and close to the corners, but I think nerves impacted it when serving for the match and Steffi was committed to go for it. Steffi is legendary.
What a shame Sabatini didn't win Being a basliner, she adapted her game that year to succeed on the grass of Wimbledon, coming in time after time Excellent volleys not seen for ages nowdays
I forever will be Gaby's fan. This is my first time watching this match. I believe if Gaby's serve could get like 20% stronger, she would've won the title. Watching her serve especially in the last game is just sad...
Had Gabriela had a serve like Samantha Stosur, Mary Pierce or even Steffi, she would have challenged for way more titles, to include Grand Slams. Her serve was her major downfall. Bewildering that none of her coaches taught her how to serve. Justine Henin and Gabriela's one hander, the best ones in history.
I was at the 1989 US Open - Women's Singles Semis when the two fought it out over 3 sets. Basically it was the same: Graf's power prevailed. Sabatini's got the game (beautiful backhand!) but not the power over a sustained match. Gabriela's first serve is such a looping topspin delivery that it loses power; should have mixed it with a more flat serve.
I was a fanboy of Sabatini since 85. Her serve was her biggest weakness. I never understood why she didn't do anything about it, since her entire game was so diverse and exceptional. I forgot Gaby lost match point on a FIRST serve...... I knew it was a floater, but seriously, that's Gaby's first serve? ouch
Of All titles that Graf has won this is the dearest to me. Grafs incredible foot work at 1:59:58. The historic forehand at 2:03:45 fired while being pressured backwards.
I agree. With that first one, the running forehand far wide to the outside I doubt anyone else could ve reached that cross volley and return it so accurately plus getting to the next volley as well, sealing that point. This would ve been match point Sabbatini otherwise. Graf won at least one slam for 10 consecutive years, 1987 to 96, but in 1991 she was closest to missing out, seeing she only managed to reach 1 sole slam final that year (only such year in the whole 87 to 96 time span). These two points were helping make sure Graf's streak wasnt broken, no, not even by prime sabatini in Grafs most difficult year. @@carrerau7138
This was the match I watched when I was in my engineering.we,the engineering students of our times admire these two legendary ladies.we even go for betting of the match between these two tennis spearheads.
The two leads in the final set probably stayed with Gabriela and one year from here, she started her decline, unfortunately. I was a Steffi fan but now I wish Gaby had won at least a few more majors. She definitely deserved it. She had such a beautiful, versatile game which was on full display here. She prepared her attacks so well here and really got into Steffi's head in this period of their rivalry.
In every other time Sabatini would have been a multiple slam winner. But she played in 1985-96. The era of Evert, Navratilova, Graf, Seles, Sanchez - the Golden Age of Women’s Tennis.
@@martydav9475 Pancho Gonzales started the professional touring business. Only a few males at the beginning, and mostly Australians. The professionals played on their limited tour, outside of the established amateur agenda. No grand slams for them then. Until the Open era in 1968, when the amateur establishment accepted the professionals in their famous tournaments.
