In a 45-minute episode of Radio 5 Live's series Tennis' Darkest Hour 2. There’s Always A Contender, which aired on September 3, 2026, journalist Clare Balding explores the rise of a teenage girl from Yugoslavia who emerged as a formidable challenger to Steffi Graf's dominance in women's tennis. At the time, Graf had held the world number one ranking for three years, making her one of the most celebrated players in the sport. The young contender, known for her aggressive playing style and distinctive grunting during matches, quickly became a name to watch in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The episode dives into the most thrilling moments of the rivalry between the two players, including their high-stakes matches and the intense pressure that came with being at the top of the women’s tennis world. It also highlights the broader challenges faced by young female athletes during the 1990s, including the scrutiny they faced both on and off the court. The episode notes that while the young player achieved record-breaking performances, her career was sometimes overshadowed by controversies related to her adherence to tennis etiquette, such as her vocalizations during matches, which some critics found distracting or unprofessional. Balding also examines the public perception of the young player as a potential greatest in women's tennis history, questioning what factors led to such high expectations. The episode further explores the conflict that arose between the two players, which culminated in an incident that resulted in one of them being hospitalized. This event remains a pivotal and controversial moment in both players' careers, sparking debates about the intensity of competition in professional tennis. The episode was produced by Emma Roberts, with additional reporting by Russell Fuller. It was mixed by Gareth Isles and executive produced by Joe Haddow, who worked together to bring this compelling story to radio audiences. Through this episode, listeners gain insight into a chapter of tennis history that was both groundbreaking and fraught with challenges.