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 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

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.

1985: Emerging Challenger

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

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: Top Challenger

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

1988: Virginia Slims Championships Loss and Award

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

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.

July 1990: Personal Difficulties

In July 1990, Steffi Graf stated she could not fight as usual, likely referring to the scandal involving her father that was reported by Bild.

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: 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.

1992: Missed Australian Open due to Rubella

In 1992, Graf missed the Australian Open due to a bout of rubella. Losses marked her year with a semifinal loss to Jana Novotná in Chicago.

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.

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: Seles Stabbing Incident

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

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.

December 1995: Bone Splinter Surgery

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

1995: Accusations of Tax Evasion

In 1995, Graf faced accusations of tax evasion, with her father's arrest and subsequent legal proceedings adding to a difficult year.

1996: Loss to Novotna

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

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: Injuries and Challenges

In 1997, Steffi Graf faced more injuries which posed challenges to her career.

1997: Prosecution case dropped

In 1997, prosecutors dropped their case against Graf in when she agreed to pay a fine to the government and an unspecified charity.

1998: Continued Injuries

In 1998, Steffi Graf continued to struggle with injuries, affecting her performance and career.

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.

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.

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.

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.