Dehydration; Salivary Gland

Monica Seles Pete Sampras

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PRESENTATION

Seles, Monica (born 1973), American tennis player of Yugoslav origin.

Monica Seles won 53 titles on the professional circuit (between 1989 and 2002), including 9 Grand Slams and 3 Masters. It has been a world leader for the first time in March 1991, and again several times until 1996, for a total of 178 weeks atop the world rankings.

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a meteoric rise

Born in Novi Sad (now Serbia), Monica Seles won her first junior tournament at age 15. She joined the professional circuit in 1989 and in 1990 became the youngest winner of the Internationaux de France. In 1991 and 1992, it retains that title and when required Internationals United States. Meanwhile, thanks to three straight wins (1991, 1992 and 1993), it becomes the "queen" of the Australian Open. However, his powerful play of the baseline - Monica Seles uses a power racquet with both hands for backhand to the forehand as - more suited to slower surfaces, does not allow him to triumph on grass at Wimbledon. WTA number one ranking of professional players for 113 weeks between 1991 and 1993, virtually unbeatable during this period, she also manages to add his name three times consecutively in the Top Masters (1990, 1991 and 1992).

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hegemony STOPPED THEN CHALLENGED

At the height of her career, Monica Seles is stabbed in the back by spectator (supporter of her rival Steffi Graf) in a match of the tournament in Hamburg (Germany) in April 1993; injured physically and psychologically, it waives any competition for two years. In May 1994, she obtained American citizenship. Back on the circuit in August 1995, it gradually reappears among the best players in the world: it has particular relevance in a new Grand Slam (Australian, January 1996).

However, its dominance is no longer as hegemonic as in previous years. Indeed, it opposes a new generation players (his compatriots Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer Capriati, Venus and Serena Williams, Martina Hingis, but also, Belgians Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne or the French Mary Pierce and Amelie Mauresmo) which impose an ever more important now difficult to overcome. Monica Seles won her last title in May 2002 in Madrid (Spain) and, hampered by numerous injuries and regular, is playing his last competitive match next year at Roland Garros. After several seasons of alternating hopes comeback and disillusionment, it puts an end to his sporting career in February 2008.

Few appreciated the short because of his temperament too demonstrative considered by his opponents, Monica Seles has yet contributed, by his physical commitment and willingness, but also by its sporting rivalry with Steffi Graf, the evolution of women's tennis into confrontations more spectacular and popular.