Tennis legend Steffi Graf, known for her dominance throughout the 1980s and 1990s, was not only a force in singles but also a formidable doubles player. One of the more memorable moments in her storied career came during the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she won gold in both singles and doubles. While she achieved unparalleled success that year, an interesting episode occurred when her Olympic doubles partner, Gabriela Sabatini, had to face her in singles just an hour after they had teamed up.
Sabatini, a talented player in her own right, shared a competitive but respectful rivalry with Graf. The two had a history of facing each other in high-stakes matches, including the 1988 U.S. Open final, which Graf won to secure her Calendar Grand Slam. However, during the Seoul Olympics, their partnership took center stage as they competed together in doubles. The duo made a strong run but eventually had to face off in the singles semifinals, just an hour after they were on the same side of the net.
After the match, which saw Graf defeat Sabatini in straight sets, Sabatini was asked how it felt to lose to her doubles partner so soon after teaming up. Her response was both gracious and revealing: “It’s not embarrassing, it’s just hard for myself.” She acknowledged the challenge of transitioning from playing alongside Graf to suddenly competing against her, especially given Graf’s dominance at that time. Sabatini’s response also highlighted the mental and emotional toll of such situations, particularly when facing one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
Sabatini’s loss to Graf in the semifinals wasn’t entirely surprising—Graf was at the peak of her powers, winning every major title that year—but it underscored the unique dynamics in the sport of tennis. Athletes often switch between teammates and opponents in a short span of time, requiring an emotional resilience that is not always visible to the casual observer.
The rivalry between Graf and Sabatini would continue throughout their careers, with Graf maintaining the upper hand in most of their encounters. However, Sabatini’s statement reflects the difficulty of competing against a friend and partner, especially when the stakes are high. It also speaks to the sportsmanship that both players exhibited, as they continued to respect and admire each other, despite the challenges of their rivalry.
In the end, Graf’s victory over Sabatini propelled her to the Olympic gold medal in singles, adding another chapter to her extraordinary 1988 season. For Sabatini, it was another hard-fought match against one of the best, but her gracious reaction to the defeat cemented her reputation as a class act in the sport.