Exactly 25 years ago, former Belgian tennis player Sabine Appelmans produced the best Grand Slam result of her 14-year career when she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Seeded 16th, Appelmans upset No. 3 Conchita Martinez 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 in the fourth round before falling to eventual runner-up Mary Pierce 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarters.
Had Appelmans managed to get past Pierce, she would have faced Amanda Coetzer in the semifinals instead of world No. 1 Steffi Graf. Coetzer had stunned Graf 6-2, 7-5 during fourth-round action.
Appelmans would have been happy to meet anyone other than Graf. In a recent interview with Betway Insider, the now 49-year-old reflected on the three toughest opponents of her career.
Coming in at No.3 is fellow Belgian Dominique Monami, who was the first player from that country to break into the top 10 of the rankings. Monami was 4-0 against Appelmans and 8-1 in total sets across their four matches.
“We were very close in the rankings, and we were good friends,” Appelmans explained. “But we also had to play each other on the court. It was not always easy playing somebody else from Belgium and also somebody who you’re very close with.”
Next is Monica Seles, who was 2-0 against Appelmans. Both of their matches, however, required three sets. Seles was a nine-time Grand Slam champion and she won eight of those slams as a teenager.
“She was such a fighter on the court—playing everything with two hands, getting to all the balls, and bringing everything back,” Appelmans said of Seles. “I enjoyed playing her but I never beat her.”
And then there was Graf, who was undoubtedly the most difficult opponent for many players. Undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time, the German captured 22 major singles titles in 31 final appearances.
“She was so complete,” Appelmans praised. “She was like an icon to me; I looked up to her. She had an unbelievable forehand; she had unbelievable footwork, as well. I remember playing her for the first time and only winning one game.
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