‘Had there been an award for congeniality, Sabatini would’ve won it’

Gabriela Sabatini, who celebrates her 53th birthday this year, is a cherished icon of the 1990s for a generation of tennis enthusiasts. Her journey from teenage prodigy to Grand Slam champion is a remarkable tale of talent and tenacity. During her teenage years, Sabatini achieved significant milestones, including reaching a Grand Slam singles final, competing in an Olympic gold-medal match, and winning the WTA Finals. However, her impressive career extended well into the following decade before she made the difficult decision to retire on her own terms at the young age of 26 in 1996.

Sabatini’s triumph at the 1990 US Open at the age of 20 marked a pinnacle in her career. As she approaches her own half-century mark, she humorously contemplates discussing this milestone with her old friend and rival, Stefanie Graf, whose 50th birthday passed the previous year. The days when Sabatini graced the tennis courts may seem like a lifetime ago, but her impact endures.

Despite her successful transition from tennis player to perfumer, with a fragrance line initiated in her teens that still thrives today, Sabatini’s grace on the tennis court, especially her elegant backhand, remains etched in memory. She made her presence known at just 15 years old when she reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the 1985 French Open. Before leaving her teens, she reached the semi-finals of all major tournaments, contested the 1988 US Open final, secured a silver medal at the Seoul Olympics, and clinched the WTA Finals title in 1988.

Sabatini and Graf, now good friends at the age of 53, once shared a court in one of the most amiable rivalries in tennis history. Graf played a significant role in Sabatini’s career, often appearing on the opposite side of the net or as doubles partners. Their rivalry was marked by memorable moments, including Sabatini’s victory in the 1990 US Open final and Graf’s triumph in the 1991 Wimbledon final. They faced each other 40 times, with Graf claiming 29 victories to Sabatini’s 11.

Beyond her singles and doubles successes, Sabatini’s retirement came with a remarkable legacy of 27 singles titles, including two WTA Finals wins. She achieved a career-high ranking of No.3 in the WTA rankings and earned the honor of having a rose and a doll named after her, in addition to her signature fragrances.

However, Sabatini’s lasting impact on the WTA Tour transcends her on-court achievements. The New York Times aptly noted that if there were an award for congeniality, she would have undoubtedly earned it. Sabatini’s character is reflected in her own words: “I’d like to be remembered as someone who left something. I’d like people to think of me as someone who contributed, someone who did something for tennis. Aside from tennis, I’d like to have people think that I was a good person, a good friend, a good human being.”

In her first 53 years, Gabriela Sabatini has been not only a Grand Slam champion but also a perfumer, a style icon, and a beloved figure known for her congeniality and generosity. Her legacy is one of elegance both on and off the tennis court, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and in the hearts of fans worldwide.