T365 Recalls: Steffi Graf announces retirement, saying ‘I have the feeling I have achieved everything I could’

On this day in 1999, 22-time Grand Slam winner Steffi Graf announced her immediate retirement from tennis.
The 30-year-old German stunned the sporting world when, just months after winning the French Open and finishing runner-up at Wimbledon and still ranked three in the world, she decided to hang up her racket.
Graf, who had fought her way back from knee surgery two years earlier, had indicated that 1999 would be her last year in the game, but 10 days after what proved to be her final tour match and with the US Open – where she was among the favourites to claim the title – looming, she confirmed her decision to walk away with immediate effect.
Her decision came at a watershed moment for the game with compatriot Boris Becker having also announced that he would retire at the end of 1999.
Graf, however, had no qualms about turning her back on the sport which made her a household name across the world.
She said at the time: “I have no regrets because I have the feeling I have achieved everything I could.”
It is difficult to disagree with Graf’s assessment.
— Andre Agassi (@AndreAgassi) July 2, 2021
The Mannheim-born player, who had become the youngest to be awarded a WTA ranking at the age of 13, claimed the first of her 22 Grand Slam titles – two short of Margaret Court’s record – when she triumphed at Roland-Garros as a 17-year-old in 1987.
By the time she had decided to call it a day, she had added five more French Open titles, four in Australia, five at the US Open and seven at Wimbledon to establish herself as one of the greatest players of all time.
Her statistics make for hugely impressive reading – in all, she won 107 career singles titles and earned $21,895,277. She was ranked world No 1 for a total of 377 weeks, 186 of them consecutively between August 1987 and March 1991.
Graf married American star Andre Agassi in October 2001 and they have a son, Jaden Gil and a daughter, Jaz.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray gets Cinccinati boost, but handed tricky opener against old foe with Cameron Norrie also lurking
Andy Murray handed tough assignment in Cincinnati.
-
ATP Tour
Dan Evans vs Pablo Carreno Busta: How to watch Montreal semis as Evans looks to sneak into ATP top 20
A quick lowdown on the Canadian Masters semi-final and possible ATP Ranking changes.
-
ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal ‘happy to be in Cincy’ as he finds out his path to possible glory at ATP Masters 1000 event
Rafael Nadal good to go in Cincinnati.
-
ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios ‘doesn’t care’ about records as he admits parents’ illness and fatigue are weighing him down
Nick Kyrgios not concerned about his winning streak coming to an end as he is more worried about his parents.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Cincy draw: Daniil Medvedev and Nick Kyrgios could meet again, Dan Evans in line to face Stefanos Tsitsipas
This way for the draw of the 2022 Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
-
WTA Tour
Simona Halep ‘stays strong mentally’ to hold off ‘super nice and future Grand Slam champion’ Coco Gauff
Simona Halep overcomes edgy second set to beat Coco Gauff.
-
WTA Tour
WTA Cincinnati draw: Emma Raducanu to face Serena Williams in dream opening match
The Cincy draw has dished up a big one: Emma Raducanu vs Serena Williams
-
ATP Tour
Dan Evans continues his dream run to reach Montreal semi-final
He will face Pablo Carreno Busta after the Spaniard defeated British qualifier Jack Draper in straight sets.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Casper Ruud threatens career-best ranking
Casper Ruud is on the brink of a career-best ranking.
-
ATP Tour
Hobbled Nick Kyrgios lets rip on ball boys in Montreal
Quick serves and a quicker temper from Nick Kyrgios.