However, her crowning achievement came in 1988 when she completed the “Golden Slam,” an unprecedented feat that solidified her legacy in the sport.
The Golden Slam refers to winning all four Grand Slam titlesโAustralian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Openโin a single calendar year, in addition to capturing the Olympic gold medal. This remarkable accomplishment has never been matched, and it exemplifies Graf’s unparalleled excellence and consistency on the tennis court.
Graf began her journey to the Golden Slam at the Australian Open in January 1988. She won the tournament with relative ease, defeating Chris Evert in the final. The victory set the tone for the rest of the year, as Graf’s combination of power, speed, and mental toughness made her nearly unbeatable.
At the French Open, Graf’s dominance was on full display. She won the tournament without dropping a set, including a stunning 6-0, 6-0 victory over Natasha Zvereva in the final, a match that lasted only 32 minutes. This victory underscored Graf’s supreme confidence and precision on clay courts.
Wimbledon presented a tougher challenge, as Graf faced the legendary Martina Navratilova in the final. Navratilova had won Wimbledon six times in a row before 1988 and was a formidable opponent on grass. Graf lost the first set but came back to win 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, showcasing her resilience and adaptability.
The U.S. Open, the last leg of the Grand Slam, saw Graf again triumph without losing a set. She defeated Gabriela Sabatini in the final, completing the Grand Slam and placing herself among the greatest in tennis history.
The crowning moment of Graf’s Golden Slam came at the Seoul Olympics in September 1988. Tennis had been reintroduced as an Olympic sport, and Graf was the heavy favorite. She did not disappoint, winning the gold medal by defeating Sabatini once more in the final.
Steffi Graf’s Golden Slam in 1988 is a testament to her extraordinary talent and unyielding determination. It stands as one of the greatest achievements in sports history, forever enshrining her as one of the all-time greats in tennis.