Swiss · Zürich, Switzerland · Born 8 February 1959Heinz Günthardt is a Swiss former tennis player and two-time Grand Slam doubles champion who later coached Steffi Graf to multiple major titles during the 1990s.
Heinz Günthardt won four Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles in 1985, including two mixed doubles crowns with Martina Navratilova, but his deeper contribution to the sport came as a coach: from 1992, he guided Steffi Graf through the remainder of one of the most decorated careers in women's tennis history. An elegant, improvisational player with a deft touch that drew comparisons to John McEnroe, he became the first ever 'lucky loser' to win a Grand Prix singles title, beating Harold Solomon in Springfield in 1978, and went on to win five career singles titles, reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 22 in 1986. Günthardt's greater success came in doubles, where he won the French Open in 1981 partnering Balázs Taróczy, and the Wimbledon title in 1985 with the same partner, along with two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles that year, at the French Open and US Open with Martina Navratilova. He represented Switzerland at the Davis Cup for many years alongside his older brother Markus, and competed in the Olympics in both 1984 and 1988. After retiring in 1990, Günthardt transitioned into coaching, and in 1992 began working with Steffi Graf, guiding her through the remainder of her career until her retirement in 1999 — a period that included multiple Grand Slam titles across all four majors. He later coached other top players including Jelena Dokic, Jennifer Capriati, and Ana Ivanović, and has also served as captain of the Swiss Fed Cup team.
Two Grand Slam doubles titles and later coaching Steffi Graf through the peak of her career
How They Played
Graceful, improvisational player with exceptional touch and doubles court sense
Lasting Impact
A respected figure in both Swiss tennis history and the broader coaching game, having shaped the careers of multiple Grand Slam champions
Career Honours
- French Open doubles champion (1981)
- Wimbledon doubles champion (1985)
- 2x Grand Slam mixed doubles champion (1985 French Open, 1985 US Open)
- Coached Steffi Graf to multiple Grand Slam titles (1992-1999)
Swiss Athletes