Tennis is one sport that has had some iconic rivalries. Serena Williams vs Steffi Graf and John McEnroe vs Bjorn Borg are just some of the ones that have entertained the fans for decades. However, many rivalries have been forgotten by followers of the sport over time. One such forgotten rivalry took place between Steffi Graf and Venus Williams, two legends of the sport. 

While the two have had a rivalry which was forgotten over time, their rivalries with other players gained more notice. Despite facing other star players on the tour frequently, Graf and Williams have had several intense matches. But there’s one worthy of remembrance.

The unseen rivalry of Venus Williams and Steffi Graf

The biggest rival of Steffi Graf was undoubtedly Monica Seles. The two played several intense matches before Seles was unfortunately stabbed by a crazed fan. Venus Williams’ biggest rival is, for sure, her sister, Serena Williams. The two played each other 31 times, with 19 victories in Serena’s favor. However, Graf and Venus are also each other’s big rivals. 

A user on Twitter randomly discovered the mind-boggling stats of their matches. While they met five times, four of those matches took place in 1999, with both players winning two matches.

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“A rivalry I’ve just remembered (through a research rabbit hole) is Graf v Venus. In 1999, they: > met 4 times > split those meetings > went the distance in 3 of those matches > always met in latter rounds > represented a generational gap (that year, Graf turned 30, Venus 19)“.

The two did not meet often on tour. Three of their four matches even went to three sets. Most of their matches took place in the last year of Graf’s active year. As they had a small rivalry on-court, Williams took inspiration from Graf’s biggest rival as she imbibed a technique from her. 

Read more – ‘That Was One of My Biggest Failures’- 42-Year-Old Venus Williams Once Admitted Giant Regret That Stemmed From Sister Serena Williams’ Advice

The younger Williams sister with stars in her eyes for Graf’s rival

When watching tennis during her younger years, Venus Williams would tune into the matches of Monica Seles as she faced her biggest rivals. Steffi Graf and Jennifer Capriati were her most intense competitors. The matches of Seles with these two would always have Williams as an intent viewer. Unfortunately, it would not be the same as always.

The tragic stabbing incident derailed her career earlier than one would have imagined. While she did make a comeback, she could not keep up with others on the tour. When she faced Williams, she is a mere shadow of her former self. Regardless, Queen V will remember her idol in her prime forever. 

Watch this story – Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Places Bets on Next Big American Tennis Superstar