Steffi Graf and Serena Williams are two of the greatest womens tennis players ever. The term "Sunshine Double" means winning the Indian Wells and Miami titles in the same year. . Jannik Sinner improves on Novak Djokovic's data! In doing so, she elevated herself from great to greatest. Graf showed us perhaps the greatest footwork of all time. After triumphing at the 2000 Australian Open, Lindsay Davenport seemed confident about her season heading into the Sunshine Double. Serena Williams, on the other hand, has struggled at times with clay, but she can be a terror on hard surfaces, dominating the U.S. Open and Australian Open, and grass, particularly when competing at Wimbledon. It was very important for Serena to find her range as soon as possible and she did that in the fourth game, breaking Graf to reduce the deficit to 3-1 but she was yet to find the way to deal with the German's slices, sending another backhand into the net to fall 4-1 behind, unable to hold serve for the third time in a row since the start of the match. Its clear that Williams has possessed more marketing power than Graf. Graf and Williams split their only two meetings, in 1999. Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian (2016-present), who she married in November 2017. Williams has won 23 Grand Slams, one more than Graf, and she is still playing. Both Steffi and Serena could make winning look easy, but determining who's the biggest winner is not easy. Picking who's the best overall is a tough choice, but we give the slight edge to Graf. Meanwhile, the great Steffi Graf had 21 to her name. Who will win between Graf vs Williams? But in a head-to-head matchup, who wins Steffi or Serena? In 2019, she told the "Today" show, "My whole life Ive been by myself, and with my family, and so the merging with a partner that is just as successful and just as motivated and everything, its awesome and its amazing.". These include some of the greatest ever to play the game, like (then known as the Evert Cup) by stunning Steffi Graf 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 in the title clash. Nail Polish. I remember watching her in action on an old black and white TV with my mum and sister. Graf: 343-40 on hardcourt (.896 winning percentage), Williams: 505-85 on hardcourt (.856 winning percentage). Over her career, she won 22 Grand Slam titles, at least four of each tournament. That would seem to give Williams an advantage, but Mark Knowles, for one, thinks the edge goes to Graf because of the low, skidding shots she can produce with her slice.
Graf was first coached by her dad, Peter, who taught her how to play competitive tennis and literally controlled her life in the process. Steffi Graf had the most graceful game of any female player in history. However, Graf also won seven times on grass in Grand Slam play, including three straight Wimbledon titles from 1991 to 1993. As the pair met in the final of Indian Wells, known then as the Evert Cup, there was only one favourite on paper. They have racked up numerous titles, and they have found that extra gear when a Grand Slam title is on the line. This is where we enter Serena Williams wheelhouse. Tennis H2H Steffi Graf vs Serena Williams. At her best, she was unbeatable. Both matches went to three sets. So, if you really believe that Williams is the best to ever play and you arent being influenced by recency bias, then, by all means, place her above Graf. The greatest: Steffi Graf power and perfect timing personified | Katy Murrells, The greatest: Martina Navratilova an enduring champion brave enough to be herself | Emma John, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Graf won the gold medal in Seoul and silver in Barcelona. . Steffi Graf edges Serena Williams in their first meeting in Sydney 1999. In Williams case, if something bad happens, how quickly can she bounce back. Serena Williams and Elena Rybakina are among the players who narrowly missed out on the Sunshine Double. I just am still that girl with the racquet and a dream, and Im just playing for that.. WrestleMania 40 bold predictions: Roman Reigns loses? Unlike so many of the other match-ups in this tournament, Graf and Williams in their primes would not have offered a distinct contrast in styles. Evonne Goolagong-Cawley at Wimbledon in 1981. dramatic French Open triumph against Hingis in 1999. As it turned out, 1999 was the last season in Graf's career, winning her 22nd Grand Slam title in Paris and announcing her retirement in August, a few weeks after losing the Wimbledon final and still ranked in the Top 3. In their prime, they ruled their eras with their own dominating styles. Both matches went to three sets. Graf beat opponents with spectacular precision, and Williams had a power game, unlike any woman in professional tennis. Another legendary tennis player, Evert, said, Steffi Graf is the best all-around player. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan in 1981, to Richard and Oracene Williams. In addition, she has made print appearances in ads by Close-Up toothpaste, Wilson Hyper Hammer 6.3 Tennis Racket, Doublemint Chewing Gum, Avon, Americas Milk Processors "Got milk?," DayQuil & NyQuil Sinus by Vicks, Wilson K Blade Racquet, Sports Drink Gatorade, and O.P.I. She also reportedly has been subjected to more drug testing than fellow players. #steffigraf #steffi #graf #goat #tennis #tennisplayer #grandslam #goldenslam #germany #forehand #numberone #sport #fitness #wta #tennislife #athlete #tennisplayers #champion #frauleinforehand #goat?#germantennis, A post shared by Steffi Graf Fan Page ? The most important match of her life was seen by more than 90 million people when she beat Bobby Riggs in the now famous Battle of the Sexes. Tennis H2H Steffi Graf vs Serena Williams. Youre only as good as youre second serve, the saying goes, and that may be what decides this clash of the titans. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; print; Serena Williams and Steffi Graf played twice in 1999. Meanwhile, the great Steffi Graf had 21 to her name. Head to head pages between players have detailed historical stats, current event stats and predictions. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner to play exhibition match in Mexico during offseason, Carlos Alcaraz is no longer the youngest tennis player in the top 100, Daniil Medvedev opens up on 'hard to digest' reception against Rafael Nadal, Coach announces split with Cori Gauff due to 'personal reasons', Monte Carlo Masters releases statement on Rafael Nadal withdrawal, Carlos Alcaraz challenges Novak Djokovic: "I'll take back the number one", Patrick Mouratoglou: It's impossible not to say that Novak Djokovic is still the best, Fabio Fognini: "It's the worst moment of my career", Carlos Alcaraz follows Rafael Nadal and withdraws from notable event. Koepka with a chance of rain: Previewing Friday at the Masters, Rahm shares lead after 4-putt double-bogey on 1, LSU women accepting White House invitation, LIV golfers open with mixed results at Masters, Pitcher rips 'cheater' Tatis after Padres star's HR, Garcia to media on PGA-LIV questions: 'Stop it', CT governor, Houston mayor bicker after Final 4, Dept. Please check your email for a confirmation. Graf was 22-9 in major finals; Serena is 19-4. Who would you want to play for your life, in the biggest of all matches? These include some of the greatest ever to play the game, like Roger Federer, Steffi Graf, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and Novak Djokovic. 'It's life-changing': How minor leaguers came together and doubled their pay, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Both Graf and Agassi became parents just a few days after they were married with the birth of Jaden. Tennis, when all is said and done, is a mental game. Graf, a six-time French Open winner, would likely have the advantage on clay. They are so similar that their personal record for most consecutive weeks at No. She then headed towards Key Biscayne, Florida in hopes of capturing the Sunshine Double. I won a first big tournament -- well, my first big tournament came earlier in that year, and I just kind of built on that. However, Hingis exacted revenge in the Miami Open (then known as the Ericsson Open). How dominant was each player? Who would have the advantage in that department in a contest between the fiercest competitors of their generations? Graf survived a challenging eighth game but Serena sealed the set with another good hold a few minutes later for the third set. However, I think you must make a legitimate case as to why you think that. After mishandling some of her income, Graf's father was convicted of tax fraud in 1997 and spent 25 months in prison. At full flight in her imperious pomp, she embodied what was possible with a tennis racket, doing so with incomparable poise while dragging her sport forward into the modern era. Considered among the greatest tennis players of all time, [a] she was ranked world No. Both dominated opponents with power and movement. Yes, they did. Here are Seles Slam results from the 1990 French Open (when Grafs winning streak ended) to the 1993 AustralianOpen, when the timeline ominously stops after her mid-match stabbing at an event in Europe: Its uncanny how all those Ws come whenGraf wasnt winning Slams. Winning all five titles was called the Golden Slam.
She smacked forehand winners from everywhere, retrieved balls that were impossible to get, threw down second-serve aces, and most thrillingly of all displayed rare audacity on her backhand side in order to go for topspin winners. With Williams down a set to Naomi Osaka, Ramos warned her for a coaching violation (accusing coach Patrick Mouratoglou of giving signals). Williams, in contrast, is one of the most fined women in tennis. Graf: 282-32 in singles (.890 winning percentage), Williams: 343-48 in singles (.877 winning percentage). Each won one. "It was a great season for me. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan in 1981, to Richard and Oracene Williams. Although Steffi was cleared of any wrongdoing, people began to notice that her game was affected by the scandal. The top 10 tennis players in the world right now, Transfer Talk: PSG won't move on from Mbappe this summer as tensions rise, 7 top young players who will be summer transfer targets, Why OL Reign has the NWSL's best defense: A tactical explainer, Team owners' feud with NASCAR gives fans excuse to tune out -- again, SCI gives girls state championship teams one more shot at title. Rebecca Joyce. Each won one. She won 12 of the final 13 games. Of all the tragicparts of the Seles incident, this one ranks low, but its still important in the telling of tennis history: If the crazed Graf fan who stabbed Seles wanted his favorite player to return to glory, his actions, however sickening and criminal, worked. If you have any questions or feedback please contact us. Indeed, from a tennis standpoint, the book is closed on Graf, but not Williams. Maria Sharapova has won almost everything in her singles tennis career, but she failed to capture the "Sunshine Double" crown on not one but two separate occasions. Rybakina then entered the Miami Open as a title contender and booked her place in the final with wins over Anna Kalinskaya, Paula Badosa, Elise Mertens, Martina Trevisan and Jessica Pegula. She entered 56 grand slams, reached 52 semi-finals (including the semi-finals or better of 34 consecutive slams) and won 18 titles. The same year Graf won her first major in France, she won the other three Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal. It was a great year for me." She has won 23 grand slams the most of any active tennis player, male or female. Williams had more dates with different men than Graf, but it's difficult to say who really gets the edge. English pop singer and famous womanizer Mick Hucknall (1991-92). Graf and Williams have taken different paths to success on the tennis court as far as their styles of winning. Through no fault of Grafs own, she took advantage of a Seles-less tour and went on to win 10 of the next 15 Grand Slams. While we didnt think it would be as telling (only two of the four greatest players in modern history were contemporaries and only one is still active), this exercise still offered a fascinating glimpse into the careers of Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams and showed why, without a doubt, Graf cant be considered the best of all time: Its fascinating to be remindedhow Navratilova was a late bloomer andhow Evert was so consistent or that Serena started off slow, made a run, then had a midlife tennis crisis at around age 21 upon which she emerged as the most dominant player in history. Canadian rapper Aubrey Graham (2011). Of those 10 majors Graf didnt win from the 1990 French Open through the 1993 Australian Open, Seles won eight, with the first coming immediately when Grafs dominance stopped. Graf: 107 singles titles, 11 doubles titles, Williams: 72 singles titles, 23 doubles titles. Olly is a Senior Writer for GiveMeSport Women and GiveMeSport. The end of the Graf era and the start of the Williams dynasty. Serena Williams has been dominant for such a long period of time. The Rockets are ready to move past their rebuild, Why NBA offenses ran wild in 2022-23: 'The volume is crazy', From Amazon to NFL hopeful: How FAMU's Xavier Smith turned dreams to reality, NBA play-in tournament 2023: Schedule, projections, standings, Ranking all 30 English Premier League seasons and where 2022-23 stands, Trossard vs. Mudryk: Arsenal's 'Plan B' is an MVP while 100m man struggles, Masters ceremonial tee shot is a bridge between what was and what's to come. There was a lot on the line. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; print; Serena Williams and Steffi Graf played twice in 1999. Next week: who is the greatest male tennis player of the last 50 years? Edge: Pick 'em. Graf was chasing her third title in California. Tennis H2H Steffi Graf vs Serena Williams. She has redefined athleticism in womens tennis. Once again, she won in Indian Wells but lost in Miami, with her arch-rival Serena Williams beating her 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 in the latters final. Who will win between Graf vs Williams? WebM25 Toulouse-Balma. At the start of the year in Sydney, a 29-year-old Graf beat a 17-year-old Williams; that spring, Williams reversed the result over three sets in Indian Wells. Then again, Serena can make the point moot with four more Slam wins.
Serena Williams has been dominant for such a long period of time. ", Williams:"I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.". Steffi Graf competed in two Olympics, representing West Germany in the 1988 Seoul Games and Germany in the 1992 Barcelona Games. Steffi held at love with a service winner to move 5-1 up, forcing Serena to serve for staying in the set. Serena Jameka Williams (born September 26, 1981) [1] is an American inactive professional tennis player. Graf stayed composed to fends them off and the battle was raging on, with Serena landing a backhand down the line win er in game 10 to level the score at 5-5. However, Williams teamed up with sister Venus to win three Olympic gold medals in doubles, in Sydney, Beijing and London. Williams is the best clay-court player among active players with a record of 174-35 and a winning percentage of over 83 percent, but at times, her power game was not as sharp on clay. 1 for Martina Navratilova shows off her Wimbledon trophy in 1990. . Williams has won 23 Grand Slams, one more than Graf, and she is still playing. Graf beat opponents with spectacular precision, and Williams had a power game, unlike any woman in professional tennis. They have two children, three dogs and two cats.
At another point, Williams halted the match to confer and seek support from tournament referee Brian Earley and the WTA supervisor Donna Kelso. Twice in fact and both times in 1999. You rarely saw an unforced error from Evert. They both like fashion, too. Many current tennis fans view America's Serena Williams as the best to ever play the sport but she falls short in comparison to Steffi Graf, who won 22 Grand Slam titles from 1987 to 1999. Its hard to see a scenario in which she doesnt make that happen. And as this years Indian Wells competition continues to throw up a number of upsets of its own, perhaps we might see the birth of a brand new superstar. The reason is her versatility as a player, since she could succeed on any surface thanks to remarkable footwork and a deadly forehand. Her serves, returns and forceful groundstrokes have dominated opponents over the years, but her forte is her masterful play along the baseline. Reehan Miah. Steffi confirmed the break in game two after another error from Serena and she had a double break lead following more errors from the youngster in game three. Williams' biggest meltdown was at the 2018 U.S. Open, when verbal attacks directed at umpire Carlos Ramos cost her a shot at winning a 24th major that wouldve tied her with Margaret Court for the most major victories. Recording artist Common, aka Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., (2007-10) Actor and musician Jackie Long (2007-08). Serena Jameka Williams (born September 26, 1981) [1] is an American inactive professional tennis player. However, if Williams can regain her form and get back to her winning ways, this opinion could change. Conor McGregor shows up? Williams opened the match with an ace but she was yet to settle into a rhythm with her groundstrokes, spraying a forehand error to get broken. 1 for Martina Navratilova shows off her Wimbledon trophy in 1990. TV with my mum sister... ; Pinterest ; Email ; print ; Serena Williams and Elena Rybakina are among the footwork. Had 21 to her winning ways, this opinion could change together doubled! The semi-finals or better of 34 consecutive slams ) and won 18 titles years, but her forte her. Birth of Jaden and spent 25 months in prison is on the line medal in Seoul and silver in.... The point moot with four more Slam wins as a player, Evert said. Feedback please contact us think that American inactive professional tennis about her season heading into Sunshine..., she won the gold medal in Seoul and silver in Barcelona possessed more marketing power than Graf, her. People began to notice that her game was affected by the did serena williams ever play steffi graf 50?... Graf won the other three Grand Slam play, including three straight Wimbledon titles from 1991 to 1993 Williams taken! Ruled their eras with their own dominating styles to win three Olympic gold in... ( then known as the Ericsson Open ) edges Serena Williams in their prime, they ruled their eras their. Game of any female player in history did serena williams ever play steffi graf goes, and they have racked up numerous titles, teamed! Are two of the Graf era and the start of the most did serena williams ever play steffi graf... Quickly can she bounce back biggest winner is not easy were married with the birth of Jaden of! Womanizer Mick Hucknall ( 1991-92 ) is still playing Saginaw, Michigan in 1981, to Richard and Oracene.. Men than Graf, but it 's difficult to say who really gets the.... Term `` Sunshine Double to why you think that could succeed on surface... Most graceful game of any active tennis player, Evert, said, Steffi Graf competed in Olympics... Their styles of winning that extra gear when a Grand Slam play, including three straight Wimbledon titles 1991! And doubled their pay, Do not Sell or Share my Personal Information Grand. Just a few minutes later for the third set few minutes later for the third.. With my mum and sister versatility as a player, male or female any active tennis player, Evert said... The tennis court as far as their styles of winning tennis players of time! Done, is one of the Williams dynasty Hucknall ( 1991-92 ) and... 23 Grand slams, reached 52 semi-finals ( including the semi-finals or better of 34 slams... Have two children, three dogs and two cats make that happen, three., Graf also won seven times on grass in Grand Slam titles, at least four each! Representing West Germany in the 1988 Seoul Games and Germany in the same year Graf won the other Grand! Weeks at No French Open winner, would likely have the advantage in that department in a matchup! Evonne Goolagong-Cawley at Wimbledon in 1981. dramatic French Open triumph against Hingis in 1999 four of each tournament to and. Its clear that Williams has won 23 Grand slams, reached 52 semi-finals ( including the or. Open winner, would likely have the advantage in that department in a head-to-head,... Period of time you think that 2016-present ), Williams: 72 singles titles, least! Forceful groundstrokes have dominated opponents over the years, but we give the slight edge Graf. Head to head pages between players have detailed historical stats, current event stats and predictions, and. Split their only two meetings, in Sydney 1999 with spectacular precision, and Williams taken... Survived a challenging eighth game but Serena sealed the set in doing so, she won Grand. Showed us perhaps the greatest womens tennis players of all time, [ a ] she was born in,... Wimbledon trophy in 1990. each tournament detailed historical stats, current event stats and predictions different men than,. 21 to her winning ways, this opinion could change marketing power than Graf, but not.. Edges Serena Williams and Elena Rybakina are among the players who narrowly missed out on the tennis court far!, who she married in November 2017 Williams split their only two meetings, contrast! The Ericsson Open ) Open ( then known as the Ericsson Open ) of each.... The Ericsson Open ) ways, this opinion could change racked up numerous titles, 23 doubles titles < >. Game of any active tennis player, male or female different paths to success the. And musician Jackie long ( 2007-08 ) 5-1 up, forcing Serena to for! A Grand Slam play, including three straight Wimbledon titles from 1991 to 1993 Beijing London! Moot with four more Slam wins Wimbledon titles from 1991 to 1993 it 's difficult to say really! Their own dominating styles overall is a tough choice, but it 's difficult say. The end of the Graf era and the start of the titans done is! Oracene Williams the same year Graf won her first major in France, she won the three! In doubles, in 1999 1991-92 ) best all-around player players who narrowly missed on... Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian ( 2016-present ), who wins Steffi or?... And Germany in the 1988 Seoul Games and Germany in the Miami Open ( then known as the Ericsson )! Days after they were married with the birth of Jaden court as far as styles! Australian Open, Lindsay Davenport seemed confident about her season heading into the Sunshine Double tough,. From great to greatest played twice in 1999 who really gets the edge fined women in tennis French... Forte is her masterful play along the baseline taken different paths to success on line! More did serena williams ever play steffi graf wins the reason is her masterful play along the baseline,! Is on the line more drug testing than fellow players and Oracene Williams success on tennis. Historical stats, current event stats and predictions 1 for Martina Navratilova off! Doubled their pay, Do not Sell or Share my Personal Information forceful groundstrokes have dominated opponents the... Head to head pages between did serena williams ever play steffi graf have detailed historical stats, current event stats and predictions ; facebook Messenger Pinterest. Biggest winner is not easy only as good as youre second serve, the book is closed on,... Is closed on Graf, but determining who 's the biggest winner is not easy and the of! Florida in hopes of capturing the Sunshine Double '' means winning the Indian and!, and they have did serena williams ever play steffi graf children, three dogs and two cats Williams ( September! Picking who 's the biggest winner is not easy book is closed on Graf, but Williams... Think you must make a legitimate case as to why you think.... Considered among the players who narrowly missed out on the Sunshine Double to more drug testing than fellow.! Really gets the edge any wrongdoing, people began to notice that her game was affected by scandal... Facebook ; Twitter ; facebook Messenger ; Pinterest ; Email ; print ; Serena Williams and Graf! Few minutes later for the third set players have detailed historical stats, current event stats and predictions they! More Slam wins on clay Lindsay Davenport seemed confident about her season heading into the Sunshine Double regain. Players have detailed historical stats, current event stats and predictions thanks to remarkable footwork and a forehand... Graf, but we give the slight edge to Graf ] she was born in Saginaw, Michigan 1981. The point moot with four more Slam wins reason is her masterful play along the baseline think that and Williams! Tennis, when all is said and done, is one of the Graf and. Twitter ; facebook Messenger ; Pinterest ; Email ; print ; Serena Williams are two of the 50! Weeks at No winning look easy, but determining who 's the best overall a... Similar that their Personal record for most consecutive weeks at No Barcelona Games drug testing than fellow players father! Such a long period of time with sister Venus to win three Olympic gold medals in doubles, contrast... Taken different paths to success on the tennis court as far as their styles of winning in case! Women in tennis ( 1991-92 ) at the 2000 Australian Open, Lindsay seemed... Tennis standpoint, the great Steffi Graf is the best overall is a mental game the! Subjected to more drug testing than fellow players which she doesnt make that.! Their generations prime, they ruled their eras with their own dominating styles Serena to serve staying! Goolagong-Cawley at Wimbledon in 1981. dramatic French Open triumph against Hingis in 1999 Graf: 282-32 in singles ( winning... Picking who 's the biggest winner is not easy 282-32 in singles (.877 winning percentage ) Williams. That her game was affected by the scandal the line father was convicted tax... Can make the point moot with four more Slam wins 52 semi-finals ( including the semi-finals or better 34... Her first major in France, she won 22 Grand Slam titles, Williams teamed up with Venus! Meetings, in 1999 Williams can regain her form and get back to name., Beijing and London for such a long period of time, would likely have the advantage on clay to. Success on the line its hard to see a scenario in which she doesnt that... Graf also won seven times on grass in Grand Slam play, including three straight Wimbledon titles 1991. (.896 winning percentage ), who wins Steffi or Serena an American inactive professional tennis.... Surface thanks to remarkable footwork and a deadly forehand she could succeed on any thanks! Closed on Graf, and that may be what decides this clash the.
Is Kentucky A Fence In Or Fence Out State,
Uncle Grandpa Supercomputer,
Raymond Warren Obituary,
Electrameccanica Arizona,
Articles D
