Steffi Graf

Steffi Graf is a German retired professional tennis player, born on June 14, 1969, in Mannheim, West Germany. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Graf began her professional career playing in the junior competitions before making her breakthrough in the senior circuit in 1982.

Graf is known for her powerful and precise forehand, agility, and versatility on all playing surfaces. She has won numerous individual awards, including 22 Grand Slam singles titles, and holds multiple records, such as being the only tennis player to have won each Grand Slam event at least four times.

Off the court, Graf is also recognized for her philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Years

• Graf turned pro in 1982 at just 13 years old. She won her first tournament in 1986 at the Family Circle Cup.

The Golden Slam

• 1988 was Graf's most successful year. She won all four Grand Slam singles titles and the Olympic gold medal, becoming the only player in history to win the Golden Slam.

Dominance in the 90s

• In the 90s, Graf continued her dominance in women's tennis, winning 14 of her 22 Grand Slam singles titles during this decade. 
  Individual Awards: During her career, Graf spent a record total of 377 weeks as the world No.1 in the Women's Tennis Association rankings.

Retirement

• Graf retired in 1999 while she was ranked World No. 3. She had won 107 singles titles, which ranks her third in the open era, behind only Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams.

Germany National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Germany in 1982.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Gold medal in singles in 1988 and silver medal in 1992.
• Fed Cup: Four-time winner with Germany in 1987, 1992, 1994, and 1995.
• Graf is Germany's most successful tennis player.

• Play Style: An aggressive baseliner who also had a powerful serve. Graf's forehand and footwork are considered among the best in the history of women's tennis.

• Family: Graf is married to former World No. 1 men's tennis player Andre Agassi. They have two children together.
• Philanthropy: Graf is involved in various charitable activities and has her own foundation, Children for Tomorrow, focusing on providing aid for children and families who have been victims of war, persecution, and violence.

• Steffi Graf is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her sportsmanship and humility. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the court, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Grand Slam Singles Titles:

• 22 titles

Fed Cup Titles:

• Four titles with Germany

World No. 1 Ranking:

• A record total of 377 weeks

Olympic Medals:

• Gold in 1988 and silver in 1992

Books

• Plimpton, G. (1999) The Book of Women's Firsts: Breakthrough Achievements of Almost 1,000 American Women. New York: Random House.
• Rappoport, L. (2003) The Greatest Female Athletes of All Time. California: Enslow Publishers.

Websites

• WTA: Information about Steffi Graf’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.wtatennis.com
• International Tennis Hall of Fame: Details about Graf’s career and legacy. Available at: https://www.tennisfame.com
• Children for Tomorrow: Official site with updates on Graf’s philanthropic work. Available at: https://www.children-for-tomorrow.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Steffi Graf: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/48624609
• The Guardian: Steffi Graf’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/steffi-graf

Interviews and Documentaries

• In the Swing (2018): Directed by Christopher Andre Marks. This documentary provides a detailed look at Graf’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Steffi Graf, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com