|
|  |
Use the menu below to read our biographies of the century's greatest sportswomen
and then tell us who you think should be No. 1. Also, be sure to check out our expanded home page and our new issue which is on newsstands now.
14. Steffi Graf
1969-
Won all four majors plus Olympic gold in a single calendar year
(1988).
| |
The intense Graf relentlessly mowed down opponents over the course of her 18-year career. Bob Martin |
Perfection is an awfully tough
standard. But for tennis's Überfrau, Steffi Graf, there was never an
alternative. From the day of her pro debut at 13 to her retirement last summer
at age 30 after winning the French Open, Graf was unable to tolerate anything
less than flawlessness. Often described by her peers as "a machine,"
Graf was mirthless and merciless in plying her trade. But the results speak
volumes. "Steffi," says no less an authority than Billie Jean King,
"is definitely the greatest women's tennis player of all time." It's
virtually impossible to exaggerate Graf's greatness. She's the only player to
have won all four Grand Slam events at least four times. After assuming the No.
1 ranking in 1987, she topped the charts for 186 straight weeks -- and a
preposterous 377 weeks total -- the longest reign of any player, male or
female. She retired having won more than 900 matches, $20 million in prize money
and 22 Grand Slam singles titles. "Sometimes I wish I could have been a bit
more relaxed," she says, looking back on her career. "But then I
wouldn't have been the same
player."
--L. Jon Wertheim
Athletes were selected by Sports Illustrated For Women, Sports Illustrated and
CNN/SI editors, writers and correspondents who considered the athletes' on-field
performance and achievements, plus their contributions to women's sports.
Because athletic achievement was a key criterion, women whose contributions were
made solely in administration and coaching are not
included.
Copyright © 2000 CNN/Sports Illustrated. An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines.
|
