German · Mannheim, West Germany · Born 14 June 1969German great who won 22 Grand Slam singles titles and is the only player, male or female, to complete the Golden Slam by winning all four majors plus Olympic gold in the same year.
Steffi Graf's 1988 Golden Slam — four Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold at Seoul in a single calendar year — is the only achievement of its kind in the sport's history, and she remains the only player, male or female, to have won each of the four Grand Slam events at least four times, finishing with 377 weeks as world No. 1, still the all-time women's record. She won 4 Australian Opens, 6 French Opens, 7 Wimbledons and 5 US Opens. She held the world number one ranking for 377 weeks — still the all-time women's record; Serena Williams, the closest challenger, finished with 319 weeks. Her 1988 season produced the Golden Slam — the only time in tennis history a player has won all four Grand Slams and the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year — at the Seoul Games. Her career win percentage of 90% across 901 matches (791 wins, 110 losses) is the highest in WTA history. She won the WTA Tour Finals a record 8 times. Her forehand — flat, driven with exceptional pace and penetration — was the most feared shot in women's tennis for over a decade. She won Wimbledon at ages 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 27 — across a decade of grass court dominance. She retired in August 1999, two weeks after winning the French Open. She married Andre Agassi in 2001 — the most celebrated marriage in tennis history.
Only player to achieve the Golden Slam (1988)
In 1988 she achieved the Golden Slam — the only player ever to win all four Grand Slams and the Olympic title in the same calendar year.
Did You Know?How They Played
Graf was known for her powerful forehand, considered one of the best in tennis history. She possessed exceptional court coverage and movement, allowing her to retrieve seemingly impossible shots. Her aggressive baseline game was complemented by strong mental toughness and the ability to perform under pressure.
Lasting Impact
Graf revolutionized women's tennis with her athletic approach and powerful groundstrokes, influencing generations of players. She remains one of only two players to achieve the Golden Slam in singles tennis.
Career Honours
- 22 Grand Slam singles titles
- only Golden Slam (1988)
- world No. 1 record 377 weeks
- Olympic gold medallist (1988)
- International Tennis Hall of Fame (2004)
German Athletes