Challenges in the Life of Steffi Graf in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Steffi Graf's life and career.

Steffi Graf, a German former professional tennis player, holds the record for the most weeks ranked world No. 1 by the WTA (377) and year-end No. 1 finishes (8). She claimed 107 singles titles on the WTA Tour, including 22 major women's singles titles, the second-most in the Open Era and third-most of all time. Graf is the only tennis player, male or female, to achieve a quadruple career Grand Slam, winning each major singles tournament at least four times.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1984: French Open Semifinal Defeat

During the 1984 French Open, Graf suffered a semifinal defeat where she lost her first 6-0 set.

1985: Limited Play and Focused Training

In 1985, Graf's schedule was closely controlled by her father, limiting her play to prevent burnout. She focused on practicing and match play, often practicing up to four hours a day.

1986: Australian Open Quarterfinal Loss

In 1986, Graf lost in the Australian Open quarterfinal to Jana Novotná. This marked the first time she had not reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam singles tournament since the 1986 French Open.

1988: Virginia Slims Championships Upset and BBC Award

In 1988, Graf was upset by Pam Shriver at the Virginia Slims Championships, preventing her from achieving the Golden Super Slam. She was also named the 1988 BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year.

July 1990: Scandal Affects Performance

In July 1990, Graf admitted that the scandal involving her father affected her performance, stating, "I could not fight as usual."

1991: Tough Year with Injuries and Loss of Ranking

In 1991, Steffi Graf faced a challenging year marked by injury problems, personal difficulties, and a decline in form. Monica Seles emerged as the dominant force, seizing the World No. 1 ranking in March, ending Graf's 186-week reign. Graf briefly regained the top spot after winning Wimbledon but lost it again after the US Open.

1991: Only Wimbledon Loss Between 1991-1997

In 1994, Graf had her first loss in a first round Grand Slam tournament in ten years and her only loss at Wimbledon between 1991 and 1997.

1992: Missed Australian Open and Coaching Change

In 1992, Graf missed the Australian Open due to rubella. She also began working with a new coach, Heinz Günthardt, after her father approached him during the 1991 Virginia Slims Championships. She reached her first final of the year in Boca Raton, Florida, defeating Conchita Martínez.

1993: Mixed Start to the Year and German Open Win

In 1993, Graf had a mixed start, losing four of her first six tournaments. She later struggled at the German Open in Berlin, before ultimately claiming her seventh title there in eight years.

1994: Australian Open Victory and Back Injury

In 1994, Graf started the year by winning the Australian Open. She later developed a bone spur at the base of her spine, leading to a back injury.

December 1995: Foot Surgery

In December 1995, Graf underwent surgery to remove bone splinters from her left foot.

1995: Tax Evasion Accusation

In 1995, Graf was accused of tax evasion by German authorities, with her father Peter being arrested in August.

1996: Last loss to Novotna

The Chicago Open in 1992 would be the last loss Steffi Graf would ever have to Novotna in a match she completed, although she did have a loss after withdrawing with injury after the first set of a late 1996 match.

1997: Only Wimbledon Loss Between 1991-1997

In 1994, Graf had her first loss in a first round Grand Slam tournament in ten years and her only loss at Wimbledon between 1991 and 1997.

1997: Injury Struggles and Surgery

In 1997, Graf faced injury struggles, losing the world No. 1 ranking and failing to win a Grand Slam. She underwent reconstructive knee surgery and missed Wimbledon and the US Open.