Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Steffi Graf

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Steffi Graf made an impact.

Steffi Graf is a German former professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. She held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 377 weeks and finished the year as No. 1 a record eight times. Graf won 107 WTA singles titles, including 22 major singles titles, the second-most in the Open Era. Notably, she is the only tennis player to achieve a quadruple career Grand Slam, winning each major tournament at least four times.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1953: Maureen Connolly Brinker's Grand Slam

In 1953, Maureen Connolly Brinker achieved the Grand Slam in tennis.

1968: Open Era Begins

In 1968, the Open Era began in tennis. This is relevant as Steffi Graf has the second-most major women's singles titles since the start of this era.

1970: Margaret Court's Grand Slam

In 1970, Margaret Court achieved the Grand Slam in tennis.

1975: Chris Evert's Ranking

In 1975, Chris Evert began a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

1976: Evonne Goolagong's Ranking

In 1976, Evonne Goolagong held the number one ranking in women's tennis.

1978: Martina Navratilova's Ranking

In 1978, Martina Navratilova began a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

1978: Hard Court Introduction at US Open

In 1978, hard courts were introduced at the US Open, changing the surface composition of the Grand Slam.

1980: Tracy Austin's Ranking

In 1980, Tracy Austin held the number one ranking in women's tennis.

October 1982: First Professional Tournament

In October 1982, Steffi Graf participated in her first professional tournament in Filderstadt, Germany, where she lost her first-round match.

1982: European Championships Win

In 1982, Steffi Graf won the European Championships in both the 12s and 18s categories, showcasing her early talent and dominance in junior tournaments.

1983: Ranking Climbs

In 1983, Steffi Graf, at 13 years old, was ranked world No. 124. Although she won no titles, her ranking climbed to world No. 98.

1983: First Major Appearance

In 1983, at the age of 13, Steffi Graf became the youngest player to appear in the main draw of a major tournament at the French Open.

1984: First 6-0 Set Loss Since 1984

During a French Open semifinal, Graf suffered one of the worst defeats of her career and lost her first 6-0 set since 1984 against Sánchez Vicario.

1984: Racquet Used

From 1984 to 1993, Steffi Graf played with the Dunlop Max 200G racquet.

1984: International Attention and Olympic Win

In 1984, Steffi Graf gained international attention at Wimbledon and, representing West Germany, won the tennis demonstration event at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles as a 15-year-old, although no medals were awarded.

1984: Mixed Doubles at US Open

In 1984, Steffi Graf partnered with Charlie Pasarell at the US Open for mixed doubles.

1985: Chris Evert's Ranking

In 1985, Chris Evert concluded a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

1985: Emerging Challenger

In 1985, Steffi Graf emerged as a top challenger to Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, despite losing to them multiple times.

1985: Opel Endorsement Deal

In 1985, Steffi Graf signed a ten-year endorsement deal with car manufacturer Opel.

1985: Ranking Improvement

In 1985, Steffi Graf's ranking steadily improved to No. 6 in the world, despite not winning any titles.

April 1986: First WTA Tournament Win

On April 13, 1986, Steffi Graf won her first WTA tournament at the Family Circle Cup in Hilton Head, South Carolina, marking her first victory over Chris Evert.

1986: Loss in Australian Open Quarterfinal

In 1986, Graf lost in the Australian Open quarterfinal to Jana Novotná, marking the first time she hadn't reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam singles tournament since the 1986 French Open.

1986: Doubles Partnership with Sabatini

In 1986, Steffi Graf started a doubles partnership with her rival Gabriela Sabatini. In their partnership they reached the finals of the French Open in 1986, 1987 and 1989, and won the 1988 Wimbledon Championships together.

1986: Top Challenger

In early 1986, Graf continued to be a top challenger to Navratilova and Evert, consistently reaching tournament stages but facing defeats.

August 1987: Ranked World No. 1

In August 1987, Steffi Graf was ranked world No. 1 for 186 consecutive weeks

1987: Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf's Ranking

In 1987, Martina Navratilova concluded a period of holding the number one ranking, while Steffi Graf began her reign at number one.

1987: French Open Finals

In 1987, Steffi Graf and Gabriela Sabatini reached the finals of the French Open.

1987: Grand Slam Breakthrough

In 1987, Steffi Graf had a strong start to the year with six tournament victories. She later defeated Martina Navratilova in the French Open final, securing her Grand Slam breakthrough.

1987: Winning Percentage and No. 1 Ranking

In 1987, Steffi Graf had a win-loss record of 75-2. On August 17, after defeating Evert, Graf became the world No. 1 for the first time, holding the ranking for 186 consecutive weeks.

1987: First Major Win

In 1987, Steffi Graf secured her first major title at the French Open, signaling the end of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova's dominance.

1988: First French Open Title Since 1988

Graf won her first French Open title since 1988 with a three-set victory over Mary Joe Fernández. Graf also became only the second tennis player in history to win a Slam on hardcourt, clay, and grass all in the same season.

1988: Golden Slam Achievement

In 1988, Graf achieved the Golden Slam by winning all four major titles and an Olympic gold medal in the same year, marking a period of dominance.

1988: Won slam on hardcourt, clay, and grass

In 1988, Graf became only the second tennis player in history to win a Slam on hardcourt, clay, and grass all in the same season.

1988: Wimbledon Doubles Championship

In 1988, Steffi Graf and Gabriela Sabatini won the Wimbledon Championships together in doubles.

1988: Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon with Pavel Složil

In 1988, Steffi Graf partnered with her coach Pavel Složil at Wimbledon for mixed doubles.

1988: Australian Open Win

In 1988, Steffi Graf started the year by winning the Australian Open, defeating Chris Evert in the final without losing a single set during the entire tournament.

1988: US Open Victory and Grand Slam

In 1988, Steffi Graf won the US Open by defeating Sabatini in the final, completing the Grand Slam. This Grand Slam remains the only one completed on three surfaces.

1988: US Open Semifinal Walkover

In 1988, Steffi Graf's semifinal match at the US Open was a walkover.

1989: Graf's Attempted Grand Slam

In 1989, Graf contested and won 27 Grand Slam singles matches. This means she failed to win the Grand Slam.

1989: Won Virginia Slims Championships

In 1989, Graf finished her year by winning her first Virginia Slims Championships since 1989, defeating Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in the final despite needing painkillers for a back injury.

1989: Winning Streak

In 1989, Graf's winning streak continued until the French Open loss. She survived a close match with Helena Sukova in the Australian Open semis, winning 6-4 in the third set.

1989: French Open Finals

In 1989, Steffi Graf and Gabriela Sabatini reached the finals of the French Open.

1989: End of Year Success

In 1989, Steffi Graf cemented her top-ranked status by beating Navratilova in the Virginia Slims Championships final. She ended the year with an 86-2 match record and the loss of only 12 sets.

1989: Australian Open Victory

In 1989, Steffi Graf extended her Grand Slam tournament winning streak to five events at the Australian Open, where she defeated Helena Suková in the final.

1990: Last Doubles Tournament with Sabatini

In 1990, Steffi Graf and Gabriela Sabatini played their last major doubles tournament together at the Wimbledon Championships, where they lost in the quarterfinals. After 1990, Graf would only play doubles sporadically.

March 1991: Ranked World No. 1

In March 1991, Steffi Graf was ranked world No. 1 for 186 consecutive weeks

1991: Monica Seles's Ranking

In 1991, Monica Seles began a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

1991: Challenges and Ranking Changes

In 1991, Steffi Graf faced a tough year due to injury problems, personal difficulties, and loss of form. She briefly regained the top ranking after winning Wimbledon but lost it again after losing to Navratilova at the US Open.

1991: Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon

In 1991, Steffi Graf partnered with Henri Leconte at Wimbledon for mixed doubles.

1991: Günthardt approached during Virginia Slims Championships

In 1991, during the Virginia Slims Championships, Graf's father approached Heinz Günthardt, who later became her coach, marking the beginning of their collaboration.

1991: Only Wimbledon Loss between 1991 and 1997

In 1994, Graf suffered her only loss at Wimbledon between 1991 and 1997, to Lori McNeil in the first round. This marked her first loss in a first round Grand Slam tournament in ten years.

1991: Sporadic Doubles Play

Starting in 1991, Steffi Graf began playing doubles sporadically, forming short-term partnerships with various players. She played her last Grand Slam doubles tournament at the 1999 Australian Open with Gorrochategui.

1992: Monica Seles' Attempted Grand Slam

In 1992, Monica Seles contested and won 27 Grand Slam singles matches. This means she failed to win the Grand Slam.

1992: Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon with Heinz Günthardt

In 1992, Steffi Graf partnered with her coach Heinz Günthardt at Wimbledon for mixed doubles.

1993: Racquet Used

From 1984 to 1993, Steffi Graf played with the Dunlop Max 200G racquet.

1993: Won slam on hardcourt, clay, and grass

In 1993, Graf became only the second tennis player in history to win a Slam on hardcourt, clay, and grass all in the same season.

1993: Graf's Attempted Grand Slam

In 1993, Graf contested and won 27 Grand Slam singles matches. This means she failed to win the Grand Slam.

1993: Losses and Title at German Open

In 1993, Graf started with four losses but secured her seventh title at the German Open in Berlin, overcoming Sabine Hack, Mary Joe Fernández, and Sabatini.

1993: US Open 3rd Round Walkover

In 1993, Steffi Graf's 3rd round match at the US Open was a walkover.

1993: Seles Stabbing Incident

In 1993, after Monica Seles was stabbed, Steffi Graf returned to dominance on the women's tour for several years.

1994: Rexona Endorsement Deal

From 1994 to 1998, Steffi Graf had an endorsement deal with Rexona.

1994: Victories and Injury

In 1994, Graf won the Australian Open and her next four tournaments, but later faced her first loss of the year in Hamburg. She aggravated a back injury at San Diego, and developed a bone spur. She still managed to reach the US Open final before the back injury took its toll.

1994: Mixed Doubles at Australian and French Open

In 1994, Steffi Graf partnered with Mark Woodforde at the Australian Open for mixed doubles, and with Henri Leconte at the French Open.

1994: Switch to Wilson

In 1994, Steffi Graf switched to Wilson racquets, first using the Wilson Pro Staff 7.0 lite.

1995: Arantxa Sánchez Vicario's Ranking

In 1995, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario held the number one ranking in women's tennis.

1995: French Open and Wimbledon Victories

In 1995, Graf won the French Open and Wimbledon, defeating Sánchez Vicario in both finals. She also secured a win against Monica Seles at the US Open final.

1996: Won slam on hardcourt, clay, and grass

In 1996, Graf became only the second tennis player in history to win a Slam on hardcourt, clay, and grass all in the same season.

1996: Monica Seles's Ranking

In 1996, Monica Seles concluded a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

1996: Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon with Heinz Günthardt

In 1996, Steffi Graf partnered with her coach Heinz Günthardt at Wimbledon for mixed doubles.

1996: Wilson Pro Staff 7.5

In 1996, Steffi Graf switched to the Wilson Pro Staff 7.5 racquet.

1996: First Head-to-Head meeting since 1996

In late 1999, Steffi Graf's Farewell Tour involved a match against Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in Zaragoza, Spain, marking Graf and Sánchez Vicario's first head-to-head meeting since 1996.

1997: Only Wimbledon Loss between 1991 and 1997

In 1994, Graf suffered her only loss at Wimbledon between 1991 and 1997, to Lori McNeil in the first round. This marked her first loss in a first round Grand Slam tournament in ten years.

1997: Injury-Plagued Year and Surgery

In 1997, Graf lost the world No. 1 ranking to Martina Hingis and had a difficult year plagued by injuries, including reconstructive knee surgery.

1997: Martina Hingis' Attempted Grand Slam

In 1997, Martina Hingis contested and won 27 Grand Slam singles matches. This means she failed to win the Grand Slam.

1997: Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis's Ranking

In 1997, Steffi Graf concluded a period of holding the number one ranking, while Martina Hingis began her reign at number one.

1998: Rexona Endorsement Deal

From 1994 to 1998, Steffi Graf had an endorsement deal with Rexona.

1998: Lindsay Davenport's Ranking

In 1998, Lindsay Davenport began a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

1998: "Children for Tomorrow" Foundation

In 1998, Steffi Graf founded "Children for Tomorrow", a non-profit foundation for supporting children traumatized by war or other crises.

1998: Wilson Pro Staff 7.1

In 1998, Steffi Graf switched to the Wilson Pro Staff 7.1 racquet.

1998: Return and Wrist Surgery

In 1998, after missing a significant portion of the tour, Graf returned, had wrist surgery, and secured a title in Philadelphia.

August 1999: Retirement Announcement

In August 1999, shortly after retiring from a match in San Diego due to a strained hamstring, Steffi Graf, at age 30 and ranked No. 3, announced her retirement from professional tennis, citing a lack of motivation and fulfillment.

1999: Australian Open Quarterfinals

In 1999, Graf reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open before losing to Monica Seles in two sets.

1999: Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon with John McEnroe

In 1999, Steffi Graf formed a much-publicized partnership with John McEnroe at Wimbledon, reaching the semifinals before withdrawing due to concerns about her hamstring and bronchitis affecting her singles final performance.

1999: Last Grand Slam Doubles Tournament

In 1999, Steffi Graf played her last Grand Slam doubles tournament at the Australian Open with Ines Gorrochategui, losing in the second round.

1999: Switch to Wilson

In 1999, Steffi Graf was using Wilson racquets

1999: Final Major Title and Retirement

In 1999, Steffi Graf won her 22nd and final major title at the French Open, reached the Wimbledon final, and subsequently retired from the sport at the age of 30 while ranked world No. 3.

1999: Farewell Tour

In late 1999, Steffi Graf began her Farewell Tour playing a series of exhibition matches against former rivals in various countries including New Zealand, Japan, Spain, Germany and South Africa. She played Jelena Dokic in Christchurch, New Zealand, Amanda Coetzer in Durban, South Africa, and her former rival Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in Zaragoza, Spain.

February 2000: Farewell Tour Match in Tokyo and Nagoya

In February 2000, as part of her Farewell Tour, Steffi Graf played against Kimiko Date at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Tokyo and Nagoya Rainbow Hall in Nagoya, winning in three sets.

2001: Martina Hingis and Jennifer Capriati's Ranking

In 2001, Martina Hingis concluded a period of holding the number one ranking, while Jennifer Capriati began her reign at number one.

2002: Jennifer Capriati, Venus Williams and Serena Williams's Ranking

In 2002, Jennifer Capriati concluded a period of holding the number one ranking, Venus Williams began a period of holding the number one ranking, and later in the year Serena Williams took over the number one ranking.

2003: Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin's Ranking

In 2003, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin began holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

September 2004: Exhibition Match and Stadium Inauguration in Berlin

In September 2004, Steffi Graf played an exhibition match against Gabriela Sabatini in Berlin, Germany, winning in straight sets. She also hosted a charity gala and inaugurated a tennis stadium renamed the "Steffi Graf Stadion", and the proceeds from her match against Sabatini went to Graf's foundation, "Children for Tomorrow".

2004: Amélie Mauresmo's Ranking

In 2004, Amélie Mauresmo began a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

July 2005: World Team Tennis Appearance

In July 2005, Steffi Graf competed in one tie of World Team Tennis (WTT) on the Houston Wranglers team. Graf lost her singles match to Elena Likhovtseva 5–4 and teamed with Ansley Cargill in women's doubles against Anna Kournikova and Likhovtseva but lost 5–2. She was successful, however, in the mixed doubles match.

2005: Maria Sharapova's Ranking

In 2005, Maria Sharapova began a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2006: Lindsay Davenport's Ranking

In 2006, Lindsay Davenport concluded a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2006: Roger Federer's Attempted Grand Slam

In 2006, Roger Federer contested and won 27 Grand Slam singles matches. This means he failed to win the Grand Slam.

2006: Endorsement Deal with Head

In 2006, Steffi Graf signed an endorsement deal with Head.

January 2008: Prize Money Record Surpassed

In January 2008, Lindsay Davenport surpassed Steffi Graf's career prize-money earnings record of US$21,895,277.

2008: Justine Henin, Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Janković's Ranking

In 2008, Justine Henin concluded a period of holding the number one ranking, with Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Janković also reaching the number one spot.

2008: Advertisements with Andre Agassi

In 2008, Steffi Graf appeared in advertisements and television commercials with Andre Agassi including Canon Inc. and Longines.

2008: "Dream Match 2008" Exhibition

In 2008, Steffi Graf lost an exhibition match against Kimiko Date at Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo. As part of the event, billed as "Dream Match 2008", she defeated Martina Navratilova in a one-set affair 8–7, with Graf winning a tiebreaker 10–5. It was the first time in 14 years Graf had played Navratilova.

2009: Jelena Janković and Dinara Safina's Ranking

In 2009, Jelena Janković concluded a period of holding the number one ranking, while Dinara Safina reached the number one spot.

2009: Exhibition Matches at Wimbledon

In 2009, Steffi Graf played a singles exhibition match against Kim Clijsters and a mixed doubles exhibition alongside husband Andre Agassi against Tim Henman and Clijsters as part of a test event and celebration for the newly installed roof over Wimbledon's Centre Court. She lost a lengthy one-set singles match to Clijsters and also the mixed doubles.

2010: Caroline Wozniacki's Ranking

In 2010, Caroline Wozniacki began a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2010: Collaboration with Head

In 2010, Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi collaborated with Head to develop the new line of Star Series tennis racquets.

2010: WTT Smash Hits Exhibition

In 2010, Steffi Graf participated in the WTT Smash Hits exhibition in Washington, D.C. to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Graf played in the celebrity doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles before straining her left calf muscle and being replaced by Anna Kournikova.

2011: Kim Clijsters's Ranking

In 2011, Kim Clijsters concluded a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2012: Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka's Ranking

In 2012, Maria Sharapova concluded a period of holding the number one ranking, while Victoria Azarenka began her reign at number one.

2013: Victoria Azarenka's Ranking

In 2013, Victoria Azarenka concluded a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2015: Novak Djokovic's Attempted Grand Slam

In 2015, Novak Djokovic contested and won 27 Grand Slam singles matches. This means he failed to win the Grand Slam.

2015: Brand Ambassador for Kerala Tourism

In 2015, Steffi Graf was appointed as the brand ambassador of Kerala tourism, for promoting Ayurveda in North America and Europe.

2016: Angelique Kerber's Ranking

In 2016, Angelique Kerber began a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2017: Serena Williams, Karolína Plíšková, Garbiñe Muguruza and Simona Halep's Ranking

In 2017, Serena Williams concluded a period of holding the number one ranking, Karolína Plíšková, Garbiñe Muguruza and Simona Halep held the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2018: Caroline Wozniacki's Ranking

In 2018, Caroline Wozniacki concluded a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2019: Simona Halep and Naomi Osaka's Ranking

In 2019, Simona Halep concluded a period of holding the number one ranking, while Naomi Osaka held the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2021: Novak Djokovic's Attempted Grand Slam

In 2021, Novak Djokovic contested and won 27 Grand Slam singles matches. This means he failed to win the Grand Slam.

2022: Ashleigh Barty and Iga Świątek's Ranking

In 2022, Ashleigh Barty concluded a period of holding the number one ranking, while Iga Świątek began her reign at number one.

2023: Aryna Sabalenka's Ranking

In 2023, Aryna Sabalenka began a period of holding the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2023: Novak Djokovic's Attempted Grand Slam

In 2023, Novak Djokovic contested and won 27 Grand Slam singles matches. This means he failed to win the Grand Slam.

2024: Iga Świątek's Ranking

In 2024, Iga Świątek continued to hold the number one ranking in women's tennis.

2025: Aryna Sabalenka's Ranking

In 2025, Aryna Sabalenka continued to hold the number one ranking in women's tennis.

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