Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

Radio 5 Live,21 Sep 2026,37 mins

SeriesTennis' Darkest Hour

3. Print It Big

Sport's Strangest Crimes

Available for over a year

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

Programme Website
More episodes