Sport's Strangest Crimes - Tennis' Darkest Hour: 3. Print It Big

Download Tennis' Darkest Hour: 3. Print It Big

After three years, women’s tennis had a new number one. Monica Seles was riding high on a wave of success; out of the last nine Grand Slams, she had played eight finals, and won seven of them. But from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. We’ll hear about the moment that changed everything - for her, and for the world of women’s tennis.

Those who were there describe the shocking scenes that left them stunned, and we hear from those whose job it was to manage the aftermath of such a public act of violence.

As the news spreads, waves of shock are sent rippling out across the world, and questions abound; how badly hurt is Monica Seles? How could this happen? Who is her attacker? And why would he want to try and kill a teenage tennis player?

Theories emerge, but one person has a hunch about the possible motive; her biggest rival, Steffi Graf.

Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence.

Presented by Clare Balding
Produced by Emma Roberts
Additional reporting by Russell Fuller
Mixed by Gareth Isles
Executive Producer: Joe Haddow
Assistant Commissioner: Rob Green
Commissioning Executive: Stevie Middleton

Published on Monday, 28th September 2026.

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