#andyroddick

Inspired by a segment with Rennae Stubbs and Andy Roddick on @nbcsports, here's my take on this very interesting question.

Now... I've answered the question considering who do I think is the best on clay at the top of their game. Who was unbeatable at the peak of their powers. I think Andy and Rennae may have looked at Steffi's career achievements vs her technical skill on clay at her peak. I've looked at it using the second method in order to not penalize Seles for her stabbing.

My ranking of the top players to play one point for your life at Roland Garros is:

Monica Seles

Chris Evert

Steffi Graf

Despite my love for Justine Henin, I couldn't pick her over these top three at the top of their games. Agree with Andy that it's too early for Iga Swiatek. Is this the peak of her powers? She may have other gears she hasn't shown us - only time will tell.

This is how I would break it down the three I think are contenders to the crown:

Steffi Graf

Steffi Graf won six French Opens, displaying dominance especially in early rounds and famously routing Natasha Zvereva 6-0, 6-0 in the 1988 final. However, her victories weren't without fortuitous circumstances. In 1987, Sabatini and Navratilova had her on the ropes, and in 1999, Seles wasn’t at her best, and Hingis had Graf beaten before collapsing mentally. Additionally, in 1993 and 1995, had Seles been active, Graf might have one less title.

Graf's game faced vulnerabilities against certain strategies. While her forehand was a formidable weapon, aggressive players like Navratilova, Novotna, and McNeil often troubled her, even though true serve-and-volley tactics are less effective on clay. Players like Seles in the 1990 and 1992 finals and Pierce in the 1994 semifinals showcased that out-hitting Graf was possible. Additionally, high topspin balls, particularly to her forehand, could neutralize her aggression, as seen in matches against Sanchez Vicario and Coetzer.

Graf’s achievements are undeniably stellar, placing her among the greatest, but for one crucial point on Roland Garros’ clay, she ranks third.

Chris Evert

Chris Evert won seven French Opens and dominated the clay with a 125-match win streak, exemplifying consistency and tactical brilliance. Evert's baseline play, marked by precision passing shots, dropshots, and lobs, frustrated opponents. Her 6-0, 6-0 victory over Navratilova on green clay in 1981 and her resilience in the 1985 French Open final against the same opponent, refusing to lose when down 0-40 at 5-5 in the third set, illustrate her mental toughness.

Evert faced formidable opponents like Austin, who broke her streak in 1979, and Mandlikova, who bested her in the 1981 semifinals. Despite these losses, Evert's ability to win crucial points with her accurate backhand and strategic play, especially on clay, sets her apart. Her back-to-back victories in 1985 and 1986 further solidify her reputation as a pressure player.

Evert’s consistency and tactical mastery make her a formidable choice for a critical point on clay.

Monica Seles

Monica Seles’ three consecutive French Open titles (1990-1992) were marked by her extraordinary resilience and aggression under pressure. At 16, in her first Grand Slam final, she overcame a 3-6 deficit in the tiebreak against Graf to win the 1990 French Open. Her 1992 final against Graf was another classic, showcasing her mental fortitude and ability to lift her game in crucial moments. Her semifinal comeback against Sabatini in 1992, where she turned a 2-4 deficit in the third set into a 6-4 victory, exemplifies her fighting spirit.

Seles' ability to overpower opponents and dictate play, as seen in her 1993 Australian Open final against Graf, where she turned the match around after losing the first set, underscores her aggressive baseline game. Her left-handed serve and powerful groundstrokes allowed her to dominate from the baseline, making her nearly unbeatable in her prime.