Steffi Graf is known as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Her glittering career spanned over two decades, during which she won 22 Grand Slam titles, before retiring in 1999. Her retirement followed a hamstring injury that forced her to retire mid-match in the second round of the TIG Classic in San Diego. After announcing her retirement, Graf was honored with a ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York where she received a standing ovation.
Emotions at her retirement ceremony
At her retirement ceremony in Madison Square Garden, Steffi Graf was visibly overwhelmed, admitting to feeling very nervous during the event. She claimed that she did not sleep at all the night before the ceremony, telling reporters, “Yeah, it’s incredible. It’s overwhelming to be out there, and, you know, I went on court and everybody stood up and cheered for such a long time. It was very moving for me.”
New York’s significance for Graf
New York holds a special place in Graf’s heart, as she has stated in many interviews over the years. She even lived in the city for a few years during her career. On the subject of the city, Graf said, “Every time I come into the city, it’s a special moment for me, just looking at the skyline, and always the fans are very knowledgeable and very much into it. A lot of matches to look back on and crowds that really got into it too.”
Graf’s legacy in tennis history
With her 22 Grand Slam titles, Steffi Graf held the record for the most Grand Slam victories in the Open Era until 2017, when Serena Williams surpassed her. Her most productive year was 1988 when she won the Golden Slam, consisting of all four Majors and Olympic gold. Graf’s final season in 1999 included a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open, her 22nd Grand Slam title at the French Open where she defeated Martina Hingis, and a Wimbledon final where she lost to Lindsay Davenport.
