Irina Spirlea’s style of play is a bit similar to Steffi Graf by using her forehand and backhand slice. If I recall correctly, wasn’t Steffi the idol for Irina? I agree with the comment that Steffi should have taken a break in 1997 to heal her back and especially her knee to avoid reconstructive surgery. However, Steffi in several occasions mentioned she would not play past age 30, so she probably felt she just needed to tough it out and play through the pain. Well, true to her word, Steffi retired just 2 years later at age 30 in 1999. I think maybe just maybe, she would have continued for many years if she took that break in ‘97 and if she never got close to Andre Agassi in ‘99 but unless you’re selfish, who in their right mind would want that for Steffi. As a fan, I’m so happy that she gave us all those amazing years, and so thrilled she found her next passion after tennis... her husband Andre and her kids!
Spirlea had a similar game as Graf but quite a different swing style; it was quite casual and loose whereas Graf had an intense and athletic swing style, especially on the forehead. Graf also hit the slice backhand better and generally moved better than Spirlea.
Steffi's amazaing speed and court coverage wasn't there due to injury...but she managed to come through by keeping unforced errors low and consistency... Love you Steffi 😍❤️👏
No idea why Steffi played the 97 season when she was so injured. Think she might have performed better in 98 if she’d taken the year off. A shadow of her former self here.
She underwent knee surgery right after the australian open, came back and played 3 tournaments and had to get surgery on the same knee again after the french open
Spirlea was a shotmaker...lots of talent. She also had an ugly side. Very rude and hated among the players. Search "Spirlea and Venus Williams" and you'll see a fine example of what I'm referring to. And her comments in the press room afterwards were even worse than her on court behavior.
Loved irina such a talent
Irina Spirlea’s style of play is a bit similar to Steffi Graf by using her forehand and backhand slice. If I recall correctly, wasn’t Steffi the idol for Irina?
I agree with the comment that Steffi should have taken a break in 1997 to heal her back and especially her knee to avoid reconstructive surgery. However, Steffi in several occasions mentioned she would not play past age 30, so she probably felt she just needed to tough it out and play through the pain. Well, true to her word, Steffi retired just 2 years later at age 30 in 1999.
I think maybe just maybe, she would have continued for many years if she took that break in ‘97 and if she never got close to Andre Agassi in ‘99 but unless you’re selfish, who in their right mind would want that for Steffi. As a fan, I’m so happy that she gave us all those amazing years, and so thrilled she found her next passion after tennis... her husband Andre and her kids!
Although she did not win this match, I really enjoyed Spirlea's style of play! When she was on, it was hard to beat her!
Spirlea had a similar game as Graf but quite a different swing style; it was quite casual and loose whereas Graf had an intense and athletic swing style, especially on the forehead. Graf also hit the slice backhand better and generally moved better than Spirlea.
Steffi's amazaing speed and court coverage wasn't there due to injury...but she managed to come through by keeping unforced errors low and consistency... Love you Steffi 😍❤️👏
So nice!!
Compled this game pls!🙂
I love Irina. In the same year she beat Monica Seles twice.. in Amelia Island and US Open
No idea why Steffi played the 97 season when she was so injured. Think she might have performed better in 98 if she’d taken the year off. A shadow of her former self here.
What problem did she have?
She underwent knee surgery right after the australian open, came back and played 3 tournaments and had to get surgery on the same knee again after the french open
Francisco Laprida thank you for your reply (creo que si poníamos en castellano nos entendíamos igual, jajaja)
Spirlea plays like Graf but a lil lower level!
yep much like Dimitrov plays like Federer but at a lower level.
Who was spirlea? I've never seen her
Spirlea was a shotmaker...lots of talent. She also had an ugly side. Very rude and hated among the players. Search "Spirlea and Venus Williams" and you'll see a fine example of what I'm referring to. And her comments in the press room afterwards were even worse than her on court behavior.