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

Steffi Graf with the Ladies' Singles trophy for the seventh time on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 1996.Steffi Graf with the Ladies' Singles trophy for the seventh time on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 1996.
Steffi Graf with the Ladies' Singles trophy for the seventh time on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 1996.
Steffi Graf announced her immediate retirement from tennis in August 1999, aged only 30.

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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