In tennis, what separates good players from legends is, more than anything, consistency. While many players have had incredible runs in important tournaments, not all of them are able to repeat success. One of the most remembered examples is Croatian Iva Majoli, who won the French Open but couldn’t live up to the hype of that victory.
Majoli turned professional in August 1991 at the age of 14. She quickly ascended the ranks, reaching a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in February 1996. Over her career, she secured eight WTA singles titles and one doubles title, the biggest one being Roland Garros.
However, other notable achievements include winning three Tier I singles tournaments: the Zurich Open in 1995, the Pan Pacific Open in 1996, and the Charleston Open in 2002. She also reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 1996 and 1997, respectively, and was a semifinalist at the WTA Championships in 1996.
However, its pinnacle was her stunning victory at the 1997 French Open, marking a historic moment for Croatian sports. Her journey through the professional tennis circuit was marked by early promise, a landmark achievement, and subsequent challenges. Beyond her playing days, Majoli has explored various ventures, including a notable appearance on Croatia’s Dancing with the Stars.