Steffi Graf - Peak Graf vs. Peak Pierce
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- Опубліковано 30 сер 2012
- Too much is made by some Mary Pierce fans of Mary's win over Steffi at the 94 French Open. Out of that has grown the ridiculous legend of Peak Pierce, a player with the ability to thrash any other player, be it Steffi or Serena. In the making of that legend, what is forgotten is that Peak Pierce did not face Peak Graf at the 94 French. They did face each other at their peaks, but only later, at the 95 Paris Indoors. Pierce had just won her first major, the 95 AO. And, while Graf was returning from an injury layoff, Graf would say in retrospect that 95 was the beginning of another peak period in her career. Having overcome a back injury that threatened to end her career, Steffi returned to the tour at the Paris Indoors with an improved serve and a lot more resolve to her game. So it was that Steffi faced Pierce in another one of those "statement" matches. As with all the others, Steffi beat her opponent convincingly. Peak Graf is greater than Peak Pierce. Paris 1995.
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It's kind of funny, how damn serious some fans are about defending their favourite player against everyone else, even after two decades. I think a true tennis fan likes good matches with fantastic rallies in the first place. Steffi is of course better than Pierce, as she is one of the best of all time. Peak or not peak, who cares? Why should we deny Pierce the honour for playing a fantastic French Open in 1994? She outclassed Graf in the semis there, just like all her opponents except Sanchez who dismantled her game in the final. Unexpected results, big upsets are probably the most exciting aspect of that game.
I've always thought it odd how MP fans point to that 94FO match as evidence of who was the better player. A single instance of domination does not a career make.
I think your argument is flawed because this wasn't Mary at her peak. Arguably Mary had many purple patches during her career with frequent periods (sometimes years) during which she went off the boil. To say this match is Mary at her peak just isn't true. Mary's peak came during the clay court season of 2000 when she played phenomenally.
what a noble figure Steffi has !
this is like when delpotro or safin or soderling or berdick surprised federer, but the next time he plays them, he's ready for them
Pierce's tennis career was like a rollercoaster ride. I do believe between somewhere around '94 to '01 she ended the year top 10... 7 and 5 twice. She overcame a bully of a father. Despite injury jumped back to number 5 in 2015 when most of her generation had retired. Made 6 slam finals, winning 2 as well as a Wimbledon doubles final. Her county woman recently booked a place in the tennis HOF. Comparing their careers I'd still choose Pierce over Mauresmo to get in. Sabatini and Novotna (who I love BTW) made it into the HOF. Time to show Pierce the respect she deserves and induct her into the HOF.
Pierce had formidable groundstrokes, but her consistency was shit compared to Graf. Subpar Graf's achievements far outshine "Peak" Pierce's.
Mary had her best success on slower hard courts and clay. She did not move fast enough to run down pace on carpet or grass.
I have always loved both Pierce and Graf .......Although my heart will always remain with Steffi as for who was at peak as many have pointed out there is just no comparison although Mary had a great power game mentally she was weak and I hate saying that because I really do like her but it's FACT .......I remember watching her and thinking if she could just control that aggression she could have been far more successful .....Its not just about power it's about knowing when to pull back maybe use some variety and being consistent and Mary could just not keep it together although I do like both the two just can't be compared .
Seriously, Pierce probably hit the ball harder than anyone on tour, even Seles and Serena, but give me a break she does not even come into conversation with legends like Graf Seles Serena Martina (both) Evert etc...the "peak" is really just the size of an ant hill, Graf's achievements are Everest-like...
well said
Funny that people would compare the two. Peak or no peak, their overall records show their greatness, not their head-to-head record.
I utterly love both players, Steffi is THE legend, but i will defend Mary any time, when she was on form she was unplayable, the power and precision in her shots was too much for many players. Movement was generally where MP had issues, she was so entertaining to watch
I meant 2005 in my Pierce comments. ooops!!
I am a huge Pierce fan, and always will be, I loved her antics, her groundies, that beautiful serve, but she was nowhere near the great Steffi. I'd still put money on peak Pierce to take out pretty much all of the current top ten!! Excluding Serena obvs.
on a good day pierce can beat anyone
lets just leave it at that
salute to Mary Pierce, an outstanding multi-year champion at Wimbledon
Pierce was no match