6. Life Is Not A Headline

Available for over a year

820 days after the stabbing, Monica Seles makes her return to tennis - but how can she compete with the best in the world after more than two years away from the sport? Never one to live within other people’s expectations, Monica makes a remarkable return - everyone is left wondering, how is she doing this? But nothing in private is ever as it seems in public, and Monica continues to fight a secret battle within her own mind. One that will put her back in the harsh glare of the media spotlight. More than thirty years on since she was attacked by a fixated fan of her main rival, Steffi Graf, we look at how much has changed for female tennis players today, and what has been learned about why people stalk. The crime against Monica Seles left a lasting impression, not just on tennis, but on sport in general. It changed not only tennis history, but how security is managed at all live sporting events forevermore. But Monica Seles has a legacy beyond this one act of violence and tennis stars such as Novak Djokovic reflect on her lasting impact on the game itself. Are legends made from more than titles alone? Warning: This episode contains references to eating disorders. 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