Steffi Graf, whose full name is Stefanie Maria Graf, is a former professional tennis player from Germany. Born on June 14, 1969, in Mannheim, West Germany, Graf is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Here are some key highlights of Steffi Graf's tennis career:
- Grand Slam Success:
- Graf achieved the calendar-year Grand Slam in 1988, winning all four major championships in a single calendar year. She is the only tennis player, male or female, to accomplish this feat since Rod Laver in 1969.
- Golden Slam:
- In addition to the Grand Slam in 1988, Graf also won the Olympic gold medal in women's singles at the Seoul Olympics. This combination of winning all four Grand Slam events and the Olympic gold medal in a single year is known as the "Golden Slam."
- Career Grand Slam:
- Graf completed a Career Grand Slam by winning each of the four major championships at least once during her career. She won a total of 22 Grand Slam singles titles.
- World No. 1 Ranking:
- Steffi Graf held the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) World No. 1 ranking for a record 377 weeks, the longest in the history of the WTA rankings.
- Rivalries:
- Graf had notable rivalries with fellow tennis players such as Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and Monica Seles. Her battles with Monica Seles, in particular, were highly intense and well-documented.
- Retirement:
- Steffi Graf announced her retirement from professional tennis in 1999. Her last professional match was at the French Open, where she won the title.
- Post-Tennis Life:
- After retiring from tennis, Graf has been involved in various charitable activities and business ventures. She is married to former men's tennis star Andre Agassi, and the couple has two children.
Steffi Graf's impact on tennis goes beyond her impressive records and achievements. She was known for her powerful and versatile playing style, including a strong forehand and a well-rounded game. Graf's legacy continues to influence the sport, and she remains an iconic figure in tennis history.