… In the 1990 French Open final, a 16-year-old Seles stood in there in her first Grand Slam final against a great Graf who had reached — astonishingly — her 13th straight Grand Slam final, winning nine of the previous 12. Seles also stood behind 6-2 in a first-set tiebreaker. In one of the most astounding things I ever saw on TV, Seles hoarded the next six points. Her father in the stands gestured as if to say, You’re kidding me. His daughter personified athletic fearlessness. …
Seles was serving at 5-4 the first set. 0/30; A questionable baseline miss by Graf who confirmed with chair impair, gave Seles 15/30. A forehand sailed wide (Grat’s right hand side), 15/40, a double break point. She then netted an overhead. They were 5-5. Graf was serving 5-5. At 40/15, she hit and forehand that landed at the corner of deuce court’s baseline and ally [7:24 mark]. It was called good but Seles walked over and circled the spot. The chair umpire asked the lineswoman to check it again. The woman walked over and looked at it from the close range, then decided it was out. Graf was not pleased. So the chair umpire climbed down from the high chair and walked across the court. He confirmed it was, good. Graf now led 6-5, first time saw her game number bigger than Seles. First set tie break [13:40 mark]. Graf served first and won the first five points.
5-0
5-1
6-2
6-5 (Graf double faulted!)
6-6
6-7
6-8, Seles won the first set tie break by a down the line winner to the deuce court when Graf charged the net.
Her father in the stands gestured with his both hand tipping downward, as if saying, OMG are you serious?
