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Tennis Legend Steffi Graf Turns 56 On June 14

Wendi Oliveros Written by Sports EditorWendi Oliveros
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Tennis star Steffi Graf

German tennis legend Steffi Graf is 56 years old on June 14.  Graf retired from the sport at 30 years of age so there is a generation of tennis fans who have limited awareness of her dominance of the sport.

Graf appeared in 31 Grand Slam singles finals and won 22 of them over a 12 year period from 1987 through 1999.  While some would rightfully consider Serena Williams the greatest of all time in women’s tennis, Steffi Graf accomplished things in the sport that Serena did not.

Steffi Graf and The Golden Slam

1988 was an incredible year for Graf.  She achieved the Golden Slam which meant she won every Grand Slam in the calendar year plus the Olympic gold medal in singles representing West Germany at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.

It is largely believed that no man or woman will ever duplicate Steffi Graf’s 1988 accomplishments.

Footwork and Forehand Made Graf One Of The Greats

Steffi Graf had excellent footwork and preparation for each point, regardless of the surface.  She also had a punishing forehand that was her money shot.  The backhand slice could also be lethal.

She retired at a young age, by modern tennis standards, two months after her 30th birthday.  Graf was injured and exhausted, saying that she did not find the joy in the sport she once did.

Graf married American tennis legend Andre Agassi in 2001. The pair have two children: Jaden, a baseball pitcher, and Jazz.  Graf was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004.  Agassi, winner of 8 Grand Slams and Olympic gold in 1996, frequently talks about how he is the least accomplished tennis player in his house.

Agassi has become a more central figure in tennis in recent years.  He is the Laver Cup captain, assuming the role held by John McEnroe.  Agassi also was part of the TNT All-Star broadcast team who covered this year’s French Open.

Wendi Oliveros Written by Sports EditorWendi Oliveros
Wendi Oliveros is a diehard tennis fan that is known to set her clock at ridiculous hours to watch live action especially during the Australian Open. She is known for indulging in strawberries and cream during Wimbledon and has watched the US Open live several times.
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