“Sabatini’s Comeback Kid: The Return of the Tennis Prodigy”
After Argentina defeated Australia 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup round of 16 match, 1990 US Open winner Gabriela Sabatini responded.
Even though Sabatini lost to Chris Evert in the championship match, he appeared poised for greatness right away. But over the years that followed, Steffi Graf—the same person—would consistently obstruct her path. In the US Open final in 1988 and again in the semifinals at Flushing Meadows the next year, the tough German defeated Sabatini. During their careers, Graf defeated Sabatini 11 times out of 12 in Grand Slams—a remarkable number.
The one occasion when her opponent triumphed? at the US Open finals in 1990. After many years, Sabatini told Swiss Life, “It was the most important moment in my tennis career.” “My dream came true after years of hard work and devotion. I started to love the tennis even more and could never have imagined such excitement and a sense of release.” Surprisingly, Sabatini never harbored resentment at Graf; instead, she gave praise to her opponent for improving her as a player.
“Steffi was a stroke of luck for me,” she continued. She made me play my best tennis and off the court, she was a really kind and quiet lady. After we quit playing tennis throughout the years, a friendship grew.” Many people anticipated that Sabatini would win numerous major championships after winning the US Open at the age of 20.
After speaking with a psychologist, I came to the conclusion that enough was enough. I have always followed my inner guidance in life, which also includes self-determination. And for that reason, I’m content with the choices I made.” Sabatini went on to create her own perfume brand, which is still successful today. Her fame during the tour even inspired the 1992 naming of a rose in her honor. Even if it arrived a little sooner than anticipated, she knew this was what she would want to accomplish once her playing days were over.
