#SteffiGraf

[tennisonthebrain-blog]

Ranking the Greatest Grass Court Players of the Open Era (Women)

As we celebrate the beginning of the grass court season, it's the perfect time to look back at some of the greatest female players who have dominated on this unique surface. Grass courts, with their fast pace and low bounce, require a special set of skills and strategic prowess. If we take into account all grass court tournaments, including the US Open before 1975 and the Australian Open when it was played on grass, the rankings and statistics reveal even more about these legends.

1. Martina Navratilova: The Grass Court Queen

Martina Navratilova is widely considered the greatest grass court player in the history of women's tennis. She claimed an astounding nine Wimbledon singles titles between 1978 and 1990, a record that still stands. Navratilova's aggressive serve-and-volley game, combined with her athleticism and sharp instincts at the net, made her almost unbeatable on grass.

Her first Wimbledon crown in 1978 was particularly notable as she came from a set down to defeat Chris Evert. Navratilova’s rivalry with Evert, especially on grass, was a highlight of her career. In total, Navratilova secured 32 grass-court singles titles, showcasing her enduring excellence on this surface.

2. Serena Williams: The Modern Great

Serena Williams has been a formidable force on grass, with seven Wimbledon titles to her name (2002-2003, 2009-2010, 2012, 2015-2016). Her power, athleticism, and competitive spirit have made her a dominant player on this fast surface. Serena's ability to deliver powerful serves and aggressive baseline shots has often overwhelmed her opponents.

One of Serena's most memorable victories came at the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, where she defeated Agnieszka Radwańska in a hard-fought final. Her 2012 Olympic gold medal on grass further cemented her legacy as one of the greatest grass court players.

3. Margaret Court: The Versatile Champion

Margaret Court amassed an impressive 46 grass-court titles during the Open Era. Her dominance was highlighted by victories in the Australian Open (four times), Wimbledon (once in the Open Era, three total), and the US Open (three times) when they were played on grass.

Court's powerful serve and comprehensive all-court game allowed her to excel across various surfaces, but her consistency and strategic play on grass were particularly noteworthy. Her achievements on grass contributed significantly to her total of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in history.

4. Billie Jean King: The Pioneer

Billie Jean King won 22 grass-court singles titles, including six Wimbledon championships (1966-1968, 1972-1973, 1975). King’s aggressive play, exceptional volleying skills, and competitive drive made her a formidable opponent on grass.

King's contributions to the sport extend beyond her on-court achievements. Her advocacy for gender equality and the establishment of the WTA have had a lasting impact on tennis. King's 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" victory over Bobby Riggs remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history.

5. Steffi Graf: The Golden Slam Winner

Steffi Graf's seven Wimbledon titles (1988-1989, 1991-1993, 1995-1996) are a testament to her dominance on grass. Graf’s game was built around her powerful forehand, exceptional footwork, and speed, which were perfectly suited for the fast pace of grass courts.

Graf's 1988 victory was particularly historic as she completed the Golden Slam, winning all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold medal in a single calendar year. Her ability to maintain a high level of play across different surfaces, including grass, made her one of the all-time greats.

6. Chris Evert: The Consistent Champion

Chris Evert won three Wimbledon titles (1974, 1976, 1981) and two Australian Open titles when it was played on grass (1982, 1984). Known for her incredible consistency and baseline play, Evert’s ability to outlast her opponents with her precision and mental toughness made her a significant threat on grass. Evert also reached the Wimbledon finals on seven occasions and the Australian Open finals six times when it was held on grass.

Evert's rivalry with Navratilova, particularly on grass, produced some of the most memorable matches in tennis history. Her adaptability and resilience allowed her to succeed on grass, adding to her legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

7. Evonne Goolagong: The Graceful Champion

Evonne Goolagong secured 38 grass-court singles titles, with six of her seven Grand Slam crowns coming on this surface. She was known for her graceful movement and elegant playing style, which were perfectly suited for grass courts.

Goolagong's achievements include two Wimbledon titles (1971, 1980) and four Australian Open titles (1974-1976, 1977) when it was played on grass. Her ability to adapt and excel in these prestigious tournaments highlights her place among the greatest.

8. Venus Williams: The Powerful Contender

Venus Williams has five Wimbledon titles to her name (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008), showcasing her dominance on grass courts. Her powerful serve and athletic prowess, combined with her aggressive net play, have made her a formidable force at Wimbledon.

One of Venus's standout moments was her 2008 Wimbledon final victory over her sister Serena, a testament to her mental and physical strength. Venus's longevity and consistent performance on grass have solidified her place among the greatest grass court players.

These extraordinary women have each brought their unique styles and strengths to the lush lawns of Wimbledon and other grass court tournaments, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Their remarkable achievements and distinctive playing styles continue to inspire tennis fans and players alike as we celebrate the beginning of the grass court season.

[girlretrotubes]

Tennis Legend Steffi Graf's response after a fan propose to her

[clayvedevs]

Tagged by @steffigraf to do this cute quiz! Thank you liz <3

Idk who's done it, but tagging: @drunkenromantic @swiateks @hubillusion @veesmiley @kalinskaya @bluespring864 @kingfisherprince @tennispilled @sinnerruud @sincaraz @eccentricmya @pencildragons and anyone who wants to do it

[bluespring864]

thanks for the tag @all-my-worlds-a-stage! I feel like this is going to be a challenge for my brain but I'll do my best to do my worst at summarising :D

Rules: Pick a bunch of your WIPs and summarise them as badly as possible, then ask your followers to vote on which one they'd most like to read.

I spent way too long on this but it was incredibly fun! Could keep doing this all night :D

tagging: @kingfisherprince, @yoellglia, @advantage-sinner, @fritzes, @steffigraf, @cricrithings, @a-candle-for-sherlock, @marginaliana, @purblind-dragon, @cornchrunchie, @keinbutterdieb if you haven't done it yet and want to do it! (no pressure obvs)

[fritzes]

thanks @yoellglia and @bluespring864 for tagging me in this fun lil game. here’s what I got (pretty accurate on the weaknesses lol):

tagging (if you want to!) @advantage-sinner @steffigraf @2manytabsopen @shapovalovvs @faeryaesther @baldingbisexualbulgarian @sinnerslamwinner

[mythicalpoolnoodle]

I was tagged by @faeryaesther thank you!!!

Here are the rules: make yourself as a kid, teen, young adult and now, using this Picrew, use your favorite color at the time as a background, and tag some people.

These are mine ‼️‼️‼️

I'll be honest my approach hasn't changed much over the years (other than like idk getting taller and yknow puberty duh) but this was fun! Also yes purple has been my favorite color for my entire life I'm just committed like that

I'll tag @advantage-sinner @bluetackbaby @fritzes and @steffigraf (no pressure obviously!)

[tennisonthebrain-blog]

One Match on Clay: Ranking the Best Players to Play One Point for Your Life

Inspired by a segment with Rennae Stubbs and Andy Roddick on @nbcsports, here's my take on this very interesting question.

Now... I've answered the question considering who do I think is the best on clay at the top of their game. Who was unbeatable at the peak of their powers. I think Andy and Rennae may have looked at Steffi's career achievements vs her technical skill on clay at her peak. I've looked at it using the second method in order to not penalize Seles for her stabbing.

My ranking of the top players to play one point for your life at Roland Garros is:

Monica Seles

Chris Evert

Steffi Graf

Despite my love for Justine Henin, I couldn't pick her over these top three at the top of their games. Agree with Andy that it's too early for Iga Swiatek. Is this the peak of her powers? She may have other gears she hasn't shown us - only time will tell.

This is how I would break it down the three I think are contenders to the crown:

Steffi Graf

Steffi Graf won six French Opens, displaying dominance especially in early rounds and famously routing Natasha Zvereva 6-0, 6-0 in the 1988 final. However, her victories weren't without fortuitous circumstances. In 1987, Sabatini and Navratilova had her on the ropes, and in 1999, Seles wasn’t at her best, and Hingis had Graf beaten before collapsing mentally. Additionally, in 1993 and 1995, had Seles been active, Graf might have one less title.

Graf's game faced vulnerabilities against certain strategies. While her forehand was a formidable weapon, aggressive players like Navratilova, Novotna, and McNeil often troubled her, even though true serve-and-volley tactics are less effective on clay. Players like Seles in the 1990 and 1992 finals and Pierce in the 1994 semifinals showcased that out-hitting Graf was possible. Additionally, high topspin balls, particularly to her forehand, could neutralize her aggression, as seen in matches against Sanchez Vicario and Coetzer.

Graf’s achievements are undeniably stellar, placing her among the greatest, but for one crucial point on Roland Garros’ clay, she ranks third.

Chris Evert

Chris Evert won seven French Opens and dominated the clay with a 125-match win streak, exemplifying consistency and tactical brilliance. Evert's baseline play, marked by precision passing shots, dropshots, and lobs, frustrated opponents. Her 6-0, 6-0 victory over Navratilova on green clay in 1981 and her resilience in the 1985 French Open final against the same opponent, refusing to lose when down 0-40 at 5-5 in the third set, illustrate her mental toughness.

Evert faced formidable opponents like Austin, who broke her streak in 1979, and Mandlikova, who bested her in the 1981 semifinals. Despite these losses, Evert's ability to win crucial points with her accurate backhand and strategic play, especially on clay, sets her apart. Her back-to-back victories in 1985 and 1986 further solidify her reputation as a pressure player.

Evert’s consistency and tactical mastery make her a formidable choice for a critical point on clay.

Monica Seles

Monica Seles’ three consecutive French Open titles (1990-1992) were marked by her extraordinary resilience and aggression under pressure. At 16, in her first Grand Slam final, she overcame a 3-6 deficit in the tiebreak against Graf to win the 1990 French Open. Her 1992 final against Graf was another classic, showcasing her mental fortitude and ability to lift her game in crucial moments. Her semifinal comeback against Sabatini in 1992, where she turned a 2-4 deficit in the third set into a 6-4 victory, exemplifies her fighting spirit.

Seles' ability to overpower opponents and dictate play, as seen in her 1993 Australian Open final against Graf, where she turned the match around after losing the first set, underscores her aggressive baseline game. Her left-handed serve and powerful groundstrokes allowed her to dominate from the baseline, making her nearly unbeatable in her prime.

Seles' combination of mental toughness, aggressive play, and ability to win critical points under immense pressure elevates her to the top spot. For one point for your life on Roland Garros clay, Seles is the player to trust to win the point on her racket.

[clayvedevs]

Thanks for tagging me liz @steffigraf for the get to know me tag game <3

1. Do you make your bed?

Absolutely. If i don't then it'll bug me every time i look at it

2. Favourite number?

Probably either 7 for feanorian related reasons or 2 because that's the number i assign x to in maths exams when i can't actually work x out. It's worked for me like 70% of the time

3. What's your job?

Uni student full time, but i'm hoping to get a part time job somewhere. Those student fees don't pay themselves lmao

4. If you could go back to school, would you?

This may be rose tinted glasses, but my high school wasn't that bad if we ignored some things. Yeah nah i'm not going back

5. Can you parallel park?

If there's no cars or just one car on one of the ends then yes, but if there's a car in front and behind me, no

6. Do you think aliens are real?

I like to think that there's someone out there. Maybe they're just too far away to contact, or maybe they're only in their paleozoic era

7. Can you drive a manual car?

Nope because we didn't own a manual car when i learnt to drive. But if we did then i would've liked to learn on a manual because i reckon manual cars are making a comeback

8. Guilty pleasure?

I don't know what's considered "cringe" these days, but i like to listen to history and pop culture podcasts if that counts. Also buying study snacks, which isn't exactly a guilty pleasure per se, but i feel guilty when i look at my bank account after the purchase hehe

9. Tattoos?

None. I can't even commit to a tumblr url so yeah i don't think i should be making any those sorts of decisions yet

10. Favourite colour?

Red and orange, but i've got a lot of green in my closet

11. Favourite type of music?

Rock maybe, or soft rock. But i've been listening to a lot of soul and latin music lately. I used to be a massive theatre kid and would listen to cast recordings of musicals religiously

12. Do you like puzzles?

I love puzzles and games and escape rooms and yeah

13. Any phobias?

Not really i think. Nothing too big that it's considered a phobia

14. Favourite childhood sport?

It's kinda ironic that i used to play tennis as a kid and i hated it asdfghjk. Now I wish my parents pushed me more to play comps and stuff but i'm getting back into the swing of things! Now it's my favourite sport to play. I've always loved watching tennis though

I guess swimming when i was younger maybe? I was quite good back in the day (year 7), but i never did squad. And maybe field hockey, but i've only ever played that in school sport but that was always fun

15. Do you talk to yourself?

Sometimes when i'm doing school work and i need to talk myself through my process lol

16. Tea or coffee?

Tea, but coffee's been growing on me recently. I really want to try vietnamese egg coffee, but i've heard that stuff is pretty strong. Vietnamese egg hot chocolate is very good though. Highly recomend

17. First thing you wanted to be when growing up?

Archaeologist. I still think it'd be very cool. What can i say? Indiana jones and the mummy was formative for me growing up. Evelyn o'connell my beloved

18. What movies do you adore?

I love a good adventure movie, like the ones i mentioned earlier. Also murder mysteries, agatha christie or otherwise

Tagging: @fritzes @swiateks @veesmiley @hubillusion @bluespring864 @aliassimes @tennispilled @sincaraz @rodlaveraryna @sinnerruud @pencildragons @eccentricmya @kingfisherprince and any one who wants to try it out!

[bluespring864]

Out of context lines

The Rules: If you're tagged, make a new post and share one or two sentences (or lines for artists) from your most recent unposted WIP with zero context.

Thank you for tagging me @indensternen! Difficult to say which one my most recent WiP is but here we go:

"You know, I begin to think hooking up with you is like playing tennis against you. Slow torture."

as per the rules, i won't be giving any context for that one :)

tagging: @weidli, @kingfisherprince, @alwayshappyhoursomewhere, @fritzes, @steffigraf, @yoellglia if you want to do it!

[smashservediaries]

🏆 The Ultimate Tennis Achievement! 🎾💫

A Career Golden Slam means winning all 4 Grand Slams + an Olympic gold medal! Only 5 players have done it, but Steffi Graf (1988) remains the GOAT! 🐐🔥

👉 Read more: https://theracketsports.com/career-golden-slam/

#GoldenSlam #TennisGOAT #SteffiGraf #TennisHistory #GrandSlam #Olympics #TennisLife

[fritzes]

thank you @aliassimes for the tag in this quiz!

I don't think this is very me lol but who knows maybe I'm a confident hands-on natural leader deep down

tagging @advantage-sinner @steffigraf @shapovalovvs @lightsouttennis @mythicalpoolnoodle @sheltoner @undignifiedpopemobile

[bluespring864]

@steffigraf :)

iga on which three tennis players she would invite to ‘a nice gathering’ 🫶

[hannahherzberg]

steffi graf portrait

[m-v-s]

If Sachin brought me to cricket, Ms Graf undoubtedly was the one who introduced me to tennis. Happy 50. #steffigraf #grandslam #tennis #tennisfan #50birthday https://www.instagram.com/p/Bytc5TZDG6f/?igshid=fv1qm2qaxkzv

[clayvedevs]

✨Let’s do something fun! I wanna see the top 6 photos of your fave, these are mine! ✨

Thanks for the tag maya @fritzes

Tagging: @steffigraf @drunkenromantic @swiateks @veesmiley @bluespring864 @dimidreyy @hubillusion @pencildragons @eccentricmya and anyone else who wants to

[bluespring864]

Opening Line Patterns

Thank you for the tag, @cricrithings! This is probably going to be quite boring because I don't really write flashy first lines very much, I just jump into the plot, but let's see. (most of this will be tennis fic, because that's the main fandom I've written for recently)

Rules: List the first line of your last 10 (or however many you have) posted fics and see if there's a pattern!

Blurring the Lines

"It hurts," Carlos mumbles, almost as if the words are forced out of him against his will.

2. Of Sums and Parts

They’re in different halves of the draw.

3. c-a-g-f-a

Boerne runzelte die Stirn.

4. Messing With You

"Thank you, Andy," Novak says, quietly, sincerely.

5. See It With The Lights Out

'Djokovic is a slut' - The words are written in red lipstick on the mirror of the locker room, and Andy goes hot and cold all over, the sweaty t-shirt he'd just pulled over his head falling to the floor.

6. Two and Two Together

When Novak finally comes out of press, he surreptitiously checks his phone.

7. Meeting In The Middle

"Andy?"

There's a weight on his shoulder... a... ah, it must be a hand on his shoulder, and… right, he won a final yesterday, and then –

Andy mumbles a faint "Hmm?" without opening his eyes.

8. And All At Once

Andy walks along the row of practice courts, trying not to stare too obviously as he comes up on the one where Novak is hitting with Grigor.

9. A Line That We Could Just Go Cross

It takes Roger years to realise that the only real reason he dislikes Novak Djokovic is this: That he knows no bounds.

10. Illegal Activities

Stop it, just stop it, Domi thinks desperately, but it doesn't help, what with Grigor shooting him another blinding smile.

Right, let's tag the tennis crew :) @kingfisherprince, @fritzes, @advantage-sinner, @steffigraf, @fortyfive-forty, @sleepstxtic and whoever else wants to do it! (I'm tired, I'm definitely forgetting people)