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When you talk about choking, Gabriela Sabatini and Jana Novotna are widely regarded as the two greatest chokers in history. Jana's most notable choke was against Steffi at '93 Wimbledon, while Sabatini choked big-time against Mary Joe Fernandez at the '93 French Open. But who was the worst choker?. Here's a quick look at some of their more memorable choking performances:

Jana:

1993 Wimbledon Final: Steffi Graf d. Jana Novotna 6-7, 6-1, 6-4.

After Jana took the 1st set in a tiebreak, Steffi took control of the 2nd set, to even the match. In the 3rd set, Jana's fantastic net play held Steffi at bay, as Jana jumped to a 4-1, 40-15 lead, and was just 5 points from victory. However, Steffi broke Jana's serve, and won the next 4 games to steal the Title. Even though she lost, Jana gained great public sympathy when she cried on the shoulders of the duchess of Kent.

1995 French Open 3rd Rd: Chanda Rubin d. Jana Novotna 7-6, 4-6, 8-6.

In this match, Jana was leading Chanda 5-0, 40-love in the final set. However, Jana wasted 9 match points, as Chanda rallied for the win.


Sabatini:


1991 Wimbledon Final: Steffi Graf d. Sabatini 6-4, 3-6, 8-6.

After Steffi won a tight 1st set, Sabatini's topspin shots finally started to take Steffi out of her comfort zone, as Sabatini evened the match at one set apiece. In the 3rd set, Sabatini served twice for the Title, but Steffi stepped up her game, and turned the tables on Sabatini. The defining moment occured when Sabatini was just 2 points from victory: Sabatini hit a feeble volley that Steffi raced down and returned for an easy winner. After breaking Sabatini's serve, Steffi held her serve, and disposed of Sabatini 8-6 in a thrilling 3rd set.

1993 French Open Quarterfinal: Mary Joe Fernandez d. Sabatini 1-6, 7-6(7-4), 10-8.

In this debacle, Sabatini was leading Mary Jo 6-1, 5-1 and held 5 match points. However, Mary Joe raised the level of her game, as Sabatini fell apart. Mary Jo hit winner after winner, and kept Sabatini pinned to the baseline. Mary Joe's strategy paid off, as Mary Jo put Sabatini away 10-8 in the 3rd set, ending this marathon match. After this monumental choke, Sabatini was never a factor again at Slam Events.

1995 Lipton Semi: Kimiko Date d. Sabatini 1-6, 7-6(7-2), 7-6(7-4).

Sabatini was cruising along against Kimiko 6-1, 5-1 before coming undone. Sabatini squandered 3 match points, giving Kimiko life. Accepting Sabatini's generosity, Kimiko beat Sabatini in a 2nd set tiebreak to even the match. In the 3rd set, Kimiko finished Sabatini off, taking yet another tiebreak in the process. Even more embarrasing for Sabatini was the fact Kimiko was playing with a sore shoulder, but Sabatini was unable to take advantage of Kimiko's injury.


Of course, you could probably find other matches these two choked away, but I believe the matches I listed are their most well known. In my opinion, Sabatini was a worst choker then Jana, even though many people probably knock Jana more. At least Jana was able to overcome her choking to win Wimbledon, Sabatini was not. Compare Jana's choking to Sabatini's, and tell me who you feel choked more matches away, and why?.