Steffi Graf is a former professional tennis player from Germany, widely regarded as one of the greatest female players of all time. She was born on June 14, 1969, in Mannheim, West Germany.
Graf started playing tennis at a very young age and turned professional in 1982, at the age of 13. She quickly rose to prominence and became the world’s No. 1 player in 1987, at the age of 18.
Graf’s playing style was characterized by her powerful forehand and exceptional footwork, which allowed her to cover the court with ease. She was known for her aggressive baseline play and her ability to hit winners from anywhere on the court.
During her career, Graf won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, which is the second-highest number in history behind Margaret Court. She also won a total of 107 singles titles, which is the third-highest number in history behind Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert.
Graf won the Calendar Year Grand Slam in 1988, which means she won all four Grand Slam singles titles in the same year. She also won the Olympic gold medal in singles at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Graf retired from professional tennis in 1999 at the age of 30. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004.
After retiring from tennis, Graf has been involved in various charitable and philanthropic activities. She has also been active in promoting women’s sports and encouraging young people to participate in sports.
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Steffi Graf Quotes
The most important lesson life has taught me is a new day means a new chance to be the person you want to be.
You can have a certain arrogance, and I think that’s fine, but what you should never lose is the respect for the others.
Tennis is a mental game. Everyone is fit, everyone hits great forehands and backhands. It’s a mental game at the end of the day.
To be number one, you have to train like you’re number two.
I never hanker after the past – I prefer to devote myself to new tasks.
I have always been guided by striving to show the best that I could. That is what kept me going in tennis and it is the same now.
I don’t like the word ‘businesswoman.’ Perhaps ‘committed mother’ would be the best description.
In tennis, it is not the opponent you fear, it is the failure itself, knowing how near you were but just out of reach.
Age, what is it? It’s not a figure that has ever meant anything to me.
I think it takes people to get to know you and the recognition comes over time.
When you lose a couple of times, it makes you realize how difficult it is to win.
It is difficult for me always to let go, and I am still eager, but I’m taking things maybe a little lighter at times.
I’ve been taught very early on that if you want to win a tournament you’ve got to beat anybody, and hopefully I play well and enjoy it.
It doesn’t hurt to lose my crown, it hurts to lose.
There is no relief at it being over. There is the joy of winning it.
You can’t measure success if you have never failed. My father has taught me that if you really do want to reach your goals, you can’t spend any time worrying about whether you’re going to win or lose. Focus only on getting better.
I always believe that you should never, ever give up and you should always keep fighting even when there’s only a slightest chance.
I’m a perfectionist. I’m pretty much insatiable. I feel there’s so many things I can improve on.
The desire to win is always there, but the failure to prepare is what causes failure.
