Steffi Graf's Retirement

by Nick Bollettieri

Contrary to the impression left by the press conference in which Steffi announced her retirement, I believe that injuries played a major role in her decision. Sure, there's life after tennis! Sure, the time was approaching for her to explore other avenues to her future! But, the truth be told, Steffi is a perfectionist that could find little joy in being # 3 in the world. She is a superb athlete with lightning-quick reflexes. Indeed, many have described her as the finest athlete on the women's professional tour and someone who could have been a world-class sprinter. This speed, along with a vicious forehand, an above average serve and a dogged determination to win, combined to produce what many pundits feel was the finest women tennis player of all time.

Steffi Graf is a private person; a shy introverted loner that was never particularly comfortable in the spotlight. Off the court, she managed to maintain her personal privacy, but the press has exposed every wrinkle in the fabric of her family, especially the indiscretions of her father, Peter. This negative exposure made Steffi even more uncomfortable with the press. She was always gracious in victory and defeat and always a lady, but never really at home during an interview.

It is important to understand these personal nuances, because I think that they played a significant role in her decision to retire at this time.

Let's go back three years. In 1996, Steffi Graf won all three Grand Slam events that she entered, the French, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. In 1997, nagging knee injuries required reconstructive surgery, which sidelined her for nearly the entire year.
In 1998, Steffi had three tournament victories, but no significant results at the Grand Slams. Then in 1999, Steffi wins the French Open, her 22nd Grand Slam Title. How fantastic was that unexpected victory! She described it as the most gratifying victory of her entire career. Then, she reached the finals of Wimbledon, losing to Lindsay Davenport, the number one player in the world. She was again within reach of the throne that was once hers. Helen Keller once was quoted as saying, "One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar." I think that Steffi believed that she was ready to soar again, to reach for the brass ring, to challenge for the upcoming U.S. Open title. Then, she damaged a hamstring muscle a month before the event. This injury would keep her out of the final Grand Slam of 1999 and would require many months of rehabilitation. It would be a new millennium before she could begin another run for the roses and that prospect was too daunting for her to consider.

Steffi is fabulously wealthy (earned more than $20 million in prize money). Her accomplishments place her among the top three women performers in the history of her sport. She is intelligent, beautiful and young enough to do whatever she likes with the rest of her life. I have no doubt that she will be a resounding success at whatever she decides to undertake in the future. She has been a sensitive, compassionate and remarkable champion; a champion that has been good for the game. We will miss her.

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