Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, who was one of the best players during her time, competing against the likes of Steffi Graff and Monica Seles, believes the latter was the best player she ever faced. In an interview with International Business Times, India, the Spanish player opened up on a number of topics, including Serena Williams being the greatest of all time (GOAT).
Vicario won a number of singles titles during her reign at the court, including the French Open in 1989, 1994, 1998 and the US Open in 1994. She excelled in both the singles and doubles competitions. Besides the Grand Slams, the former world number one singles player also won the bronze (singles) in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and another bronze in the doubles competition during the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Here are the excerpts of her interview with the International Business Times, India.
IBT India: You excelled in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, winning Grand Slams in all forms. Among the three which was the most demanding for you?
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario: I think tennis is a sport which, as a whole, is very demanding in all the formats. I have always cherished playing on the clay court. However, I think the most difficult and demanding format is also the mixed doubles and the doubles tournament on clay court as you need to be up for it at all times. You have to get your understanding right, and it's more mentally than physically demanding.
IBT India: Who was the best player you ever faced in women's tennis?
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario: I have faced a lot of fierce competitors during my playing career and all of them have been tough. But I think Monica Seles was someone who always gave me a tough match. She was also around the same age as me, so it was challenging. I always had to be at my best to beat her, and she would also never give up even if I was about to win the match. So I think I can call her the best female player I've played against.
IBT India: The women's singles matches are always watched with huge interest. Is Serena Williams the greatest woman player to have ever emerged in the sport?
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario: Well, I think, yes, Serena has established herself as the best ever because she has been consistent enough. She has dominated the tennis arena in the past decade or so. Whenever Serena would play, she was always the favourite. So I think I can call her the greatest ever woman player.
IBT India: Coming to Indian tennis, why has India produced quality doubles players in the recent past, but not singles players?
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario: I don't think it is fair to say that India has been unable to produce quality singles players because all doubles players start their careers from being singles' players at first. I think the reason why they have been more successful in doubles is because the likes of Leander Paes and Sania Mirza have that cutting-edge in their game, which goes to another level when they team up with other players.
Not all the players are strong in all aspects of the game, and that is why only a few players maintain their performance in the singles' category. But when these players play with their partner, their flaws get covered up, and hence they perform well.
IBT India: Longines is the official timekeeper for French Open. Which is your favorite timepiece from Longines?
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario: The new Conquest Roland Garros ladies is my favourite timepiece.
