Tennis legend Steffi Graf called out Martina Hingis for controversial behaviour at 1999 French Open final
The 1999 French Open Final remains one of the most unforgettable moments in tennis history. It had all the elements of high drama: a precocious teenager and reigning world No. 1, Martina Hingis, facing off against the legendary Steffi Graf, a 21-time Grand Slam singles champion. This match on the hallowed red clay of Roland Garros became a clash of generations, a display of extraordinary skill, and one of the most controversial finals ever played.
Martina Hingis: The Teenage Prodigy
By the late 1990s, Martina Hingis had established herself as a dominant force in women’s tennis. The Swiss sensation, who won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 1997 at the age of 16, quickly became the youngest player ever to reach the pinnacle of the sport. That same year, she claimed the 
However, the French Open remained the elusive prize in her glittering career. Despite her success on the other surfaces, the red clay of Roland Garros presented a unique challenge for Hingis. The 1999 final offered her the chance to complete her career Grand Slam at the tender age of 18.
Steffi Graf: The Veteran Legend
On the other side of the net was Steffi Graf, a player whose name was synonymous with greatness. Graf had already secured her place in tennis history with 21 Grand Slam singles titles, including five French Open crowns. However, by 1999, the German star was seen by many as past her prime. Injuries had plagued her career in the preceding years, and she had not won a major title since 1996.
But Graf’s indomitable spirit and her deep reservoir of experience proved to be the perfect ingredients for a remarkable comeback. At Roland Garros, she caught fire, defeating the third-seed Lindsay Davenport and the second-seed Monica Seles to reach the final. Graf’s run to the final was a testament to her enduring class and competitive fire, setting the stage for an epic showdown against the young Hingis.
The Match: A Battle of Skill and Nerves
The final itself was a dramatic affair, marked by extraordinary tennis, emotional outbursts, and controversial moments. Hingis started strongly, taking the first set 6-4 with her trademark blend of finesse and tactical intelligence. However, the match began to unravel for her in the second set.
During a crucial point, Hingis argued with the umpire over a line call and then crossed over the net to Graf’s side to check the mark, a move that is against the rules. This incident rattled Hingis, and the crowd, largely supportive of Graf, turned against the young Swiss star. The pressure began to mount, and Hingis’ composure started to crack.
Graf, with her experience and poise, took advantage of Hingis’ growing frustration. She won the second set 7-5, forcing a decisive third set. By this point, Hingis was visibly emotional, even on the verge of tears. The final set saw Graf at her clinical best, while Hingis, struggling to regain her focus, faltered. Graf ultimately claimed the third set 6-2, securing her sixth and final French Open title, and her 22nd Grand Slam singles title overall.
Aftermath: The End of an Era and a Changing of the Guard
The 1999 French Open final was more than just a tennis match; it was a symbolic passing of the torch. For Steffi Graf, it was a fitting conclusion to one of the most storied careers in tennis history. She announced her retirement just a few months later, leaving the sport as one of its greatest ever champions.
For Martina Hingis, the match was a harsh lesson in the unforgiving nature of elite competition. Though she would continue to be a formidable player, the loss at Roland Garros seemed to mark the beginning of a period of challenges, both on and off the court.
The 1999 final remains a vivid memory for tennis fans—a match that combined the drama of sport with the emotions of human struggle. It was a contest between a young prodigy and an experienced legend, and it delivered a narrative that has stood the test of time, forever etched in the annals of Grand Slam history.
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