Graf, Steffi (1969–)

views updated

Graf, Steffi (1969–)

German tennis player. Born Stefanie Maria Graf, June 14, 1969, in Bruhl, Germany; m. Andre Agassi (tennis player), Oct 2001; children: Jaden (b. 2001) and Jaz (b. 2003).

Under father's guidance, began taking tennis lessons at age 4 and became the 2nd youngest player to receive a ranking on turning professional at 13; won 1st Grand Slam title at French Open (1987), the 1st of 6 French Open victories; became the #1-ranked player on the professional circuit and would hold that ranking for 186 consecutive weeks, the longest unbroken #1 ranking in tennis history; swept all 4 Grand Slam tournaments (1988); won a gold medal at Seoul Olympics (1988); on winning the US Open (1995), became the 1st woman to win each of the four Grand Slam singles titles at least 4 times; facing stiff competition from younger players and sidelined several times for injuries, saw her game suffer (late 1990s), although victory at the French Open (1999) added a 22nd Grand Slam singles title to her career; announced retirement from professional tennis (summer 1999). Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame (2004).

See also Women in World History.