This day, March 24, 1998, marked the inception of one of tennis’s most iconic rivalries. In Miami, Martina Hingis and Serena Williams met on court for the very first time during the quarter-finals of what was then known as the Lipton Championships. In this inaugural encounter, the 17-year-old world No. 1, Martina Hingis, showcased her championship mettle by saving two crucial match points. She ultimately triumphed with a score of 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 against the then 16-year-old American sensation, Serena Williams, who was ranked 40th globally at the time.








