Flashback: Stefi Graf calls time on glittering career aged just 30 in surprise announcement in 1999

It was something of a surprise decision, given that the German had won the French Open just a couple of months before and then finished runner-up at Wimbledon.

But Graf, ranked third in the world at the time, said at a press conference: “I have no regrets because I have the feeling I have achieved everything I could.”

She won 22 grand slam titles, including seven at SW19, 107 tour titles, claimed Olympic gold at the 1988 Games in Seoul and spent a record 377 weeks as world number one.

Born in Mannheim in 1969, she was a teenager when she made her breakthrough and a maiden French Open crown, aged 17, proved a launchpad.

By 1990 she had already won nine grand slams and dominated the game, with a powerful forehand and reliable backhand slice.

A fascinating rivalry with Monica Seles developed in the early 1990s, but it was cut short as Seles was stabbed in the back by a Graf fanatic who made his way courtside during a match in 1993.

Her domination continued well into 1996, winning three grand slams, but injuries began to take their toll and after ending a barren couple of years, her French Open success and run to the Wimbledon final proved a fitting end to a glorious career.

She went on to marry fellow tennis player Andre Agassi and have two children.

On This Day In Sport

1999: A goal from Tommy Mooney gave Premiership new boys Watford a shock 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. But the Hornets eventually finished bottom of the table and were relegated.

2001: Skipper Matthew Fleming ran out four players with direct hits as Kent, who eventually went on to win the Norwich Union League, beat Surrey at Canterbury.

2012: England bowler Stuart Broad denied having any involvement in a parody Kevin Pietersen Twitter account set up by a member of the public.

2014: Manager Tony Pulis left his position at Crystal Palace in an unexpected move, less than 48 hours before the start of the new Premier League season.