Steffi Graf Keynote Speaker

Steffi Graf is one of the most accomplished players in the history of tennis. Renowned for her athleticism, explosive footwork and powerful forehand, she dominated women’s tennis throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, setting records that remain unmatched.

Graf announced herself as a future star at just 13 years old when she became the youngest player to compete in the main draw at Roland Garros. She claimed her first WTA title in 1986 before winning her maiden Grand Slam at the 1987 French Open. Later that year, she became World No. 1 and won the first of her five WTA Finals titles.

In 1988, Graf achieved one of the greatest feats in sporting history by becoming the only player ever to win all four Grand Slam singles titles and Olympic gold in the same calendar year. She went on to win 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including four Australian Opens, six French Opens, seven Wimbledon championships and five US Open titles.

Across an extraordinary career, Graf won 107 WTA singles titles and compiled a remarkable 900-115 win-loss record. She reached 31 Grand Slam singles finals and became the only player, male or female, to complete a quadruple Career Grand Slam by winning each of the four major championships at least four times. She also won five WTA Finals titles and spent a record 377 weeks as World No. 1, the longest reign by any player in tennis history.

Graf retired from professional tennis in 1999 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004. In recent years, she has remained active in sport through exhibition events and pickleball, competing alongside Andre Agassi in the Pickleball Slam series and helping to promote the sport to new audiences.