The world of tennis is currently buzzing with the fairytale run of Loïs Boisson at the 2025 French Open, as she remarkably reached the semi-finals in her Grand Slam debut. This extraordinary feat places her in a select group of players, a group notably headlined by none other than the incomparable Monica Seles. Seles burst onto the scene in 1989 with a powerful game and an unyielding spirit, fundamentally altering expectations for young female athletes in the sport. Her legacy continues to inspire, with her name often invoked when discussing groundbreaking achievements in tennis.
A Historic Grand Slam Debut at Roland Garros
In 1989, at the tender age of 15, Monica Seles made her professional Grand Slam debut at the French Open. What followed was a performance that stunned the tennis establishment. Seles, a relative unknown at the time, carved her way through the draw, demonstrating a ferocious two-handed game on both forehand and backhand wings. Her aggressive play and unique grunting quickly became her trademark. She reached the semi-finals, a remarkable achievement for a player in their first major. Though she ultimately lost to the then-world No. 1 Steffi Graf in a tough three-set encounter, her arrival was unmistakable. This debut set the stage for what would become one of the most dominant periods in women's tennis history. The journey of Monica Seles from a debutant to a force of nature was swift and spectacular.
The Reign of a World No. 1
The 1989 French Open was just the beginning for Monica Seles. The following year, at only 16 years and 6 months old, she returned to Roland Garros and claimed her first Grand Slam title, defeating Steffi Graf in the final. This victory made her the youngest ever French Open champion. From January 1991 through February 1993, Monica Seles embarked on an almost unparalleled streak of dominance. She held the World No. 1 ranking for 178 consecutive weeks, winning eight Grand Slam singles titles while still a teenager. This included three Australian Opens, three French Opens, and two US Opens. Her relentless power, competitive intensity, and unwavering focus made her virtually unbeatable during this period.
Many tennis experts believe that had her career not been tragically interrupted in 1993, Monica Seles might have gone on to win even more major titles, potentially surpassing the records of other legends. Her unique style, featuring two-handed shots from both sides and incredible court coverage, is often credited with ushering in an era of power tennis that continues to influence the game today.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Even after her career was altered by unfortunate circumstances, Monica Seles returned to the professional tour in 1995, displaying immense courage and determination. She went on to win another Grand Slam title at the 1996 Australian Open and added several more WTA titles to her impressive tally of 53 singles crowns. She also earned a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, representing the United States, a country she became a citizen of in 1994.
Today, Monica Seles is a celebrated member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, inducted in 2009. Her story is one of prodigious talent, relentless pursuit of excellence, and remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. The fact that a new generation talent like Loïs Boisson is now compared to her in terms of debut success only reinforces the enduring impact and legendary status of Monica Seles on the sport. Her place in tennis history is firmly secured, continuing to inspire players and fans worldwide.
