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, is widely considered one of the greatest of all time. She holds the record for the most weeks ranked world No. 1 by the WTA (377) and finished as the year-end No. 1 a record eight times. Graf won 107 singles titles, including 22 major singles titles, the second-most in the Open Era and third-most overall. Notably, she 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 French Open semifinal in 1984, Graf suffered one of the worst defeats of her career, winning only two games against Sánchez Vicario and losing her first 6–0 set since 1984.

1986: Australian Open Quarterfinal Loss

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

1989: Nearly Achieving Grand Slam Again

In 1989, Graf won 27 Grand Slam singles matches, but failed to win the Grand Slam.

July 1990: Father's Alleged Scandal

In July 1990, Graf stated that she could not fight as usual during the Berlin tournament, where the largest-circulation German tabloid, Bild, ran a story about an alleged scandal involving her father.

1991: Wimbledon Loss

In 1991, Graf had a loss at Wimbledon.

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 player, winning major titles and ending Graf's 186-week reign as World No. 1 in March. Graf briefly regained the top spot after Wimbledon but lost it again after the US Open.

1992: Monica Seles' Near Grand Slam

In 1992, Monica Seles managed a 27-1 win–loss record in Grand Slam matches, failing to win the Grand Slam.

1992: Rubella and Coaching Change

In 1992, Steffi Graf missed the Australian Open due to rubella. She experienced indifferent results early in the year, including a semifinal loss to Jana Novotná in Chicago. Chicago marked her first tournament with new coach Heinz Günthardt, whom her father had approached during the 1991 Virginia Slims Championships.

1993: Mixed Start to the Year and German Open Win

In 1993, Graf had a mixed start, losing four of her first six tournaments. However, she won her seventh German Open title in Berlin, overcoming tough matches against Mary Joe Fernández and Sabatini.

1993: Nearly Achieving Grand Slam Again

In 1993, Graf won 27 Grand Slam singles matches, but failed to win the Grand Slam.

1993: Seles Stabbing

In 1993, after Monica Seles was stabbed, Graf returned to dominance on the women's tour, marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape.

1994: Australian Open Win and Injury Struggles

In 1994, Graf won the Australian Open and four subsequent tournaments. She later struggled with a back injury, affecting her performance at the French Open and Wimbledon. Despite the injury, she reached the US Open final.

December 1995: Surgery on Left Foot

In December 1995, Graf underwent surgery to remove bone splinters from her left foot, causing her to miss the Australian Open.

1995: Tax Evasion Accusations and Father's Arrest

In 1995, Graf faced accusations of tax evasion by German authorities. Her father, Peter, who managed her finances, was arrested in August and sentenced to 45 months in jail.

1996: Loss to Novotna

In 1996, Graf had a loss after withdrawing with injury after the first set of a match against Novotna.

1997: Injury Struggles

In 1997, Graf faced injury struggles, which affected her performance on the tour.

1997: Injury-Plagued Year and Loss of Ranking

In 1997, Graf's career was affected by injuries, leading to a loss of the world No. 1 ranking to Martina Hingis and failing to win a Grand Slam title for the first time in ten years. She had arthroscopic surgery performed on her left knee.

1997: Only Loss at Wimbledon

In 1997, Lori McNeil defeated Graf at Wimbledon, marking her only loss at Wimbledon between 1991 and 1997 and her first loss in a first round Grand Slam tournament in ten years.

1997: Martina Hingis' Near Grand Slam

In 1997, Martina Hingis managed a 27-1 win–loss record in Grand Slam matches, failing to win the Grand Slam.

1998: Continued Injury Struggles

In 1998, Graf continued to struggle with injuries, impacting her ability to compete at her best.

1998: Surgeries and Return to Play

In 1998, Graf missed almost half of the tour. She underwent surgery to remove a bone spur in her right wrist after the US Open. She returned to win the Philadelphia title, defeating Hingis and Davenport.