You have brought a smile to the face of almost every tennis fan for this upload. I saw this match as a 6 year old. The reality of the match may never be as sweet as the memory of it that exists in my mind but have been waiting 14 years to see this on YT. thanks for uploading :)
i remember this amazing battle so well... i was 18 and follwing steffis development since i saw her play live as 12 years old in german tennis bundesliga where she played against oppoents 20 years and older. she was a very thin and tiny little girl but her forehand was already an unbelievably powerful shot which made the public stonishing. one also could already feel her willpower and determination to win. german tennis experts called her "the wonder child". two years later, steffi was asked by a german sport magazine about her goals and she answered that she wanna dethrone martina navrartilova and become world number 1.a quiet remarkable vision of a 14 years old. but the upcoming years showed how serious she was: her year by year progression was just breathtaking: steady and reliable like a swiss clockwork. and more and more it became very clear that she will reach what she was approaching. nobody noticed that more as martina who called graf early her natural successor if she would not be stopped by injuries. this match in 1986 was a big milestone on that way: one could see how close the race between these two legends already had become - and that steffis game had still so much potential to improve; although all of what made here 1988 and 1989 almost unbeatable is basically already there. two all time greats who gave the crowd so much! i m glad that i was able to watch them play.
Wow. What a great match. I was 5 years old at this stage and only later on started watching tennis after seeing Steffi winning in 1988. Steffi had the most beautiful game and got me into playing tennis. This was an incredible match by both but you could clearly see that Steffi's game was still developing. The serve, the slice and especially that forehand became more deadly after this match. She had just turned 17 a few months earlier but it was amazing to how good she already was and yet there was so much room for improvement. Who knows what might have happened had she taken one of those 3 match points. Her dominance could have started even earlier. Martina herself is undoubtedly one of the best if not the best volleyer the women's game has ever seen and deservingly one of the all.time greats. Both of these women would even challenge today's WTA players
Serena is the Greatest female player overall. Graf had 2 outstanding years, 1988 and 1989 but then was clearly second best behind Seles from 1990-1992 and needed the better plater to be stabbed to regain the top spot. Only an idiot could argue against that.
@@doggdogg6019 17 years old Steffi gave Martina a run for her money. Remember Martina was at her peak, she had 58 matches winning streak. Serena is lucky never to face peak Steffi, Monica or Martina. Even against peak Henin (2003-07) Serena had a losing h2h (2-5).
Yes almost all commentators even those of that year in Hambourg were saying that graf got caught by surprise by seles and was finally fixing it up, after stoppîng loosing to sabatini so much and sanchez too.. don’t Forget all she went through for all those years.. and for serena, yes she has one more major, but a much longer carrer, no golden slam, less little slams, not won each big one at least four times, and so and so.. obviously a exceptional player, but the style and grace of graf on a court can’t be compared…imo…
wow I just finished watching this beautiful match. Thank you so much for loading this. One of the best tennis matches I've ever watched. Well done to both Martina and Steffi. LEGENDS
@@joeyconvery2055 Your heartthrob beating a 15-year-old baby with 7-6 in the third set is something to brag about? I am surprised again and again how low standards Selestial nutters have. BTW, did you know that never in the history of women's tennis did a #1 player lose to a younger girl than Seles did again Jen on August 4th, 1999? Jennifer was just 15 years and 128 days old on this day..... What an embarrassment!!! 😂
You know as tennis fans, you just witnessed how great Steffi’s forehand was at 1:24:20, even at a young age of 17. Listen to the crowd’s reaction 😲! Steffi has so much variety in her forehand and this point illustrates how she can execute an extremely fast and powerful “flick” or “snap” crosscourt forehand. Steffi’s forehand would become even more deadlier in 2 years. No woman player, not even today’s players, have that power and accurate technique. Sure current players can hit it hard but I’ve yet to see someone hit a powerful forehand as consistent, precise, and deadly as Steffi, especially with that extraordinary stroke production. You have to be incredibly gifted in both tennis talent and athleticism. Is there any other female player in the greatest ever debate that can claim they competed against the best tennis champions in the history of the sport in two different eras like Steffi? A young Steffi competed against the 18 slam record holders in Martina/Chris (36 slams combined) in mid-late 80s to early 90s and as an all-time great against the future 23 slam record in Serena during the late 90’s. Historically, that has such incredible significance!
This was the match that got Steffi to decide to be number one for sure. She walked off the court knowing she could’ve won just like Evert did after her loss to Martina in the 84 final but not as close as this. Like Evert , graf won their next encounter in the very next slam event - Chris won French of 85 after her loss in 84 open and Graf won in 87 French. Nothing motivates than barely losing against a player that has had your number and your closing in. That first opportunity to be in a winning position then carry it off in the first close big match is rare. It’s almost that you must lose a close one to have that belief and playing to take the title rather than being in a close situation that is new and hoping you’ll pull it off. Two different mindsets. Martina always played her finest latte in the second and third set if needed ( 78 W final,81 AO final, 85 W final, 85 AO final ) by playing to win , to take it rather than playing steady,hoping to win. Martina showed that late in deciding set you bring your “A” aggressive game by going for your shots - that rubbed off on Evert and Graf. Austin and Hana did that by hitting winners in their third set tie breaks win against Martina in 81,85 open finals . When Martina did lose she always lost in very close third sets pushing, daring her opponents to play to win because that’s how she won. Martina wouldn’t give it to you , Martina forced you to win it - 85 French and in this match. This was the last year Martina would finish year end number one. Graf came back in spring at Lipton whipping Martina and Chris easily . I bet the thought of losing this match was the driving memory that made Graf work in her 9 week break to add power to her forehand and improve her already speedy self as her body matured even more . She won every tournament practically in 87 except W and open finals. ( won by Martina - the only two tournaments won that year by Martina). I believe regardless of other tournaments won or lost if a player wins W and Open in same year they should be number one regardless of computer points. Graf was year end number one for 87 with French win and many outside slam tourneys won . Martina won W and open by defeating Graf . I would’ve rather had Martina’s year than Grafs in 87 and Martina was number 2 in 1987 due to computer points .
I think it hasn't been discussed enough yet how short Steffi's handshake at the end was and that she didn't look Martina in the eye!! I mean, how dare this German chick??
So many holes in steffi's game at this point. Her serve still a work in progress, her backhand still somewhat shaky. She would improve so much in the following years.
@@carrerau7138 ??? So why did Steffi say after the match that she really needed to work on her backhand? So why did she then skip the 1987 Australian open to work on the weaknesses in her backhand? Did you notice how powerless she looked in that first set? Did you see that backhand passing shot she missed on match point when she had a clear opening? Did you notice how relatively weak her serve was? Did you notice how relatively awkward her net game was? I don't think any objective observer could say that her game was not a work in progress then. She had reached number three by making steady progress and continual improvement. There was still a way to go.
Navratilova knew that her reign was coming to an end. And 11 months later Steffi - just having turned 18 - took over the #1 ranking. And even though Martina played top level tennis for several more years she never was able to get her crown back. Steffi, however, continued and build the greatest career ever of any woman tennis player. She became the most popular player of all time and is generally considered today as the greatest ever world-wide.
Navratilova reached all 4 slam finals in 1987, beating Graf in straight sets in the finals of W and USO. She led Graf 4-1 at this major and won her last major encounter with “the German chick” aged 34 to go 5-4 up in slams. Navratilova was already older than a retired Graf when she lost the #1 crown after a 5-6 year reign that was the most dominant in the open era.
@@tobiasisback4605 Who cares that Navratilova beat 16/18-year-old baby Steffi several times at the USO? 22 slams, Golden Slam, most dominant 10-year reign, being the most popular player ever - that is what fans care about. Not bitter Martina fans, though… 😁
@@carrerau7138 You care that 34 year old Granny Nav beat prime Graf at USO91. Not a baby but a 20+ woman. Graf did not dominate for 10 years. She was toppled for 2-3 years by teenage Seles who led her 3-1 in slam finals and won 8 slams to her 3. Only regaining her hold over a weak field once that teenager was stabbed by her crazed fan. How can Graf be GOAT when she wasn’t even the best player in her own prime? Martina's 5 year reign at the top was the most dominant sustained spell in the pro era. Graf had two spells, 1987-90 and 1993-96 (post stabbing), neither of which were as dominant as Martina's 1982-86. As for the 22 slams, then Court or Serena are your GOAT as they have more. 6 of Graf's slams were won in Seles's absence against inferior competition.
@@tobiasisback4605 Steffi in her prime in 1991? When she lost 8 matches, more than in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996? Most have been the longest prime ever of a top player. What a woman!! 😍 How can Navratilova be the GOAT when she wasn't even the best in her prime? She lost 8 of 12 matches to Austin in 1979-81 at age 22-25 and didn't win even ONE slam between July 1979 and December 1981 (2.5 years)! How can Serena be the GOAT when she wasn't even the best in her prime? She lost 5 of 7 matches against Henin in 2003-07 at age 21-25 and won only TWO slams (only AOs) between July 2003 and September 2008 (4.25 years). Boy, you always lose to me. Because I have the numbers and you don't.
the last navratilova in her perfect shape against the young new tennis coming. the last time classic tennis could win against what was coming. this is the end of an era.
Martina beat Steffi in 1991 and 1993 Toray Pan Pacific. When Martina executes her shot, she can win against Steffi. I wouldn't say Steffi is the great wall
@@tobiasisback4605 No, stats don't lie. Steffi 22 slams, Martina 18 Steffi Golden Slam, Martina faltered at the USO 84 to win at least the normal Grand Slam Steffi 8 years as #1, Martina 7 years Steffi 89.2 career winning percentage, Martina 86.8 Martina has more doubles slam titles though. Even more than Gigi Fernandez.... 😄
@@tobiasisback4605 No, Steffi had far more competition than Court (also more than Navratilova, BTW). Court herself called Steffi "the best" about 4 years ago.
Steffi said when she was young, her goal was not necessarily to win tournaments but to improve year on year. She skipped the 1987 Australian open to work on her strokes. It's a much healthier attitude for any young tennis player. It's a shame that the people around Jennifer Capriati hadn't been like that. So much pressure put on her to win, rather than improve.
@@carrerau7138 well that certainly wasn't the reality. They had her signing ridiculous, high profile contracts with all kinds of companies who were pressurising her to win grand slams. The way she reacted after losing that 1991 semi final against Seles underlined what a bad situation she was in.
@@th8257 Any evidence that those companies pressured her? How did they do this? No, the pressure came from the public, her home country wanted an American as #1 again, not those Euro chicks Graf and Seles.
@@carrerau7138 Again, no idea where you got that impression from - the case was notoriously the absolute opposite. From an article from the LA Times in March 1990 when Capriati was just 13: "Such is Capriati’s reputation already that she has signed endorsement deals reportedly worth more than $5.5 million even before her first professional match in a $350,000 tournament in her home state of Florida. Tracy Austin, almost 16 when she played and won her first professional tournament in Stuttgart, West Germany, said Capriati would have a tougher debut. “There wasn’t as much pressure on me as there is on Capriati because I had been playing and people knew who I was,” said Austin, twice U.S. Open champion before injury forced her to quit. Everyone knows who Capriati is. She has all these contracts, and she hasn’t played a match. That’s pressure.”
Martina and Graf both belong in the GOAT conversation. I don't think Graf was better or had a better career than Martina. You can't compare players from different eras. You can only say that Martina and Graf were the best of their eras. Same with Serena. Consider, for ex., that Martina had to face Evert, also one of the best ever. Whereas Graf had no meaningful rival or competition after Seles was tragically stabbed. Seles Graf could have been such an interesting rivalry. I love all these players and that's just my opinion FWIW.
Martina won only 2 slams before her 25th birthday in autumn 1981. At that point Evert had already 12 slam titles under her belt. From then on Martina won 16 and Evert only 6 slams (3 on FO‘s clay). So their rivalry was divided in two parts - in each one of them was clearly dominating and the other played just a Sanchez-like role. Steffi played 7 slam finals against Sanchez, 6 against Navratilova, 6 against Seles, one against Evert, one against Hingis. 5 players who each made at least 12 slam finals themselves. Plus slam finals against Sabatini (3), a criminally underrated player, and against Novotna and Davenport. No player won more all-time classic slam finals, matches which are well remembered even today.
Their rivalry was not divided. Evert was playing her best career tennis in 1985/86 before injuries slowed her down. It's just that Martina was better by then. Evert and Navratilova always had to get past the other to win a slam or for the #1 spot. No equivalent for Graf in yhe mid 90s who gobbled up slams against B-listers like Sabatini, Sanchez, MJF, et al. None of them in Evert's league.
@@tobiasisback4605 The difference between 85/86 and 87/88 Evert has one name - Steffi Graf. Exclude all of Evert's Steffi matches and she has almost the same match winning percentage. Stay pressed, Yankee boy....🤣😂🤣
Steffi's nickname on tour back in the early- mid 80s was 'Little Miss Saurer Braten' she always got mad when she lost... but, sometimes that does signal a champion in the making.
In her defence that tie break was literally toss of a coin stuff. It flips on one point and instead of ecstasy it’s agony. Poor thing was churned up inside and was in no mood for a ‘Kodak moment’ gracious smile.
Wrong. It’s the European way for a person to act humbly toward a senior. You don’t make eye contact, you quickly make yourself disappear. Making conversation is up to the senior, not the child.
@@colinoswald2 Martina was not a "senior" at this stage, nor was Steffi a "child." In America, some would consider Steffi to be quite disrespectful and infantile in such instances.
In 85 Steffi hadn't even won one title yet. In 86 she hadn't even made one slam final. In 87 she played while ill. When both were at their peak in 88/89 Steffi owned Navratilova.
Crowds usually go for underdogs. Steffi was a 16 year old kid who'd won nothing at that point. Martina had won everything. The crowd wanted to see a match, so it was fairly obvious they were going to give Steffi some encouragement.
Steffi was such a poor sport here. When you get defeated by a great champion like Martina you look her in the eye and say great match. Steffi owes here career to the man that took Monica out of her way. She would never have won all she did if Monica was not stabbed.
@@jamesred922 Steffi is the GOAT (unless you add doubles). In terms of versatility, consistency, athleticism, fitness & mental strength Graf is much ahead of Martina & anybody else. Martina dominate on fast court but Graf dominate on every surface (clay, grass, carpet & hard), no male or women in the open era came that close in terms of versatility as Graf.
@@rajusaha855 Navratilova is the GOAT. zin terms of total tournaments won and longevity. And Navratilova was the first woman to incorporate athleticism in women's tennis, all the others just followed. Athleticism is Navratilova's legacy. Plus Navratilova is also a good ambassador for various issues like women's rights and personal freedom. Steffi, aside from her sour attitude everytime she losses has no advocacy! Navratilova's legacy transcends beyond the tennis courts!
@@Dee-zy5gh How do you know? She rarely lost. Anyway, she is remember by fans and media as one of the classiest top players ever. I don't think any of your country women is. 😂
@@carrerau7138 She rately lost as a teenager? How so? Most of your so called 'records' for Graf, such as her percentage on grass, is based on discounting those early losses. Can’t have it both ways. 😜 🤡
You have brought a smile to the face of almost every tennis fan for this upload. I saw this match as a 6 year old. The reality of the match may never be as sweet as the memory of it that exists in my mind but have been waiting 14 years to see this on YT. thanks for uploading :)
Great comment, thank you for sharing
i remember this amazing battle so well... i was 18 and follwing steffis development since i saw her play live as 12 years old in german tennis bundesliga where she played against oppoents 20 years and older. she was a very thin and tiny little girl but her forehand was already an unbelievably powerful shot which made the public stonishing. one also could already feel her willpower and determination to win. german tennis experts called her "the wonder child".
two years later, steffi was asked by a german sport magazine about her goals and she answered that she wanna dethrone martina navrartilova and become world number 1.a quiet remarkable vision of a 14 years old.
but the upcoming years showed how serious she was: her year by year progression was just breathtaking: steady and reliable like a swiss clockwork. and more and more it became very clear that she will reach what she was approaching.
nobody noticed that more as martina who called graf early her natural successor if she would not be stopped by injuries.
this match in 1986 was a big milestone on that way: one could see how close the race between these two legends already had become - and that steffis game had still so much potential to improve; although all of what made here 1988 and 1989 almost unbeatable is basically already there.
two all time greats who gave the crowd so much! i m glad that i was able to watch them play.
this has to be one of the best womens matches ive ever seen, thanks for the upload.
Wow. What a great match. I was 5 years old at this stage and only later on started watching tennis after seeing Steffi winning in 1988. Steffi had the most beautiful game and got me into playing tennis. This was an incredible match by both but you could clearly see that Steffi's game was still developing. The serve, the slice and especially that forehand became more deadly after this match.
She had just turned 17 a few months earlier but it was amazing to how good she already was and yet there was so much room for improvement. Who knows what might have happened had she taken one of those 3 match points. Her dominance could have started even earlier.
Martina herself is undoubtedly one of the best if not the best volleyer the women's game has ever seen and deservingly one of the all.time greats. Both of these women would even challenge today's WTA players
Thanks for all these , means a lot to see Grafs progression to the greatest female player overall.
Serena is the Greatest female player overall. Graf had 2 outstanding years, 1988 and 1989 but then was clearly second best behind Seles from 1990-1992 and needed the better plater to be stabbed to regain the top spot. Only an idiot could argue against that.
@@doggdogg6019 ya and your precious rena only won more because Henin abruptly retired. Only an idiot would disagree with that.
@@doggdogg6019 17 years old Steffi gave Martina a run for her money. Remember Martina was at her peak, she had 58 matches winning streak. Serena is lucky never to face peak Steffi, Monica or Martina. Even against peak Henin (2003-07) Serena had a losing h2h (2-5).
@@doggdogg6019 In fact, Graf is far better than Seles.
Yes almost all commentators even those of that year in Hambourg were saying that graf got caught by surprise by seles and was finally fixing it up, after stoppîng loosing to sabatini so much and sanchez too.. don’t Forget all she went through for all those years.. and for serena, yes she has one more major, but a much longer carrer, no golden slam, less little slams, not won each big one at least four times, and so and so.. obviously a exceptional player, but the style and grace of graf on a court can’t be compared…imo…
Finally I've been waiting for the English commentary of this match. Thank you Thank you Thank you
Thank you so much for the English version of this match! I haven’t seen it since 1986. Steffi Graf still inspires me to play tennis!
Never seen the full match with US commentary thanks for sharing
wow I just finished watching this beautiful match. Thank you so much for loading this. One of the best tennis matches I've ever watched. Well done to both Martina and Steffi. LEGENDS
This was the first tennis match I ever attend.
This match, along with the 84 and 85 finals were the best women's matches at the U.S. Open.
@@joeyconvery2055 Steffi in the USO 96 final was the highest level ever by a female player at the USO.
@@joeyconvery2055 I don't think you ever think.
@@joeyconvery2055 Your heartthrob beating a 15-year-old baby with 7-6 in the third set is something to brag about?
I am surprised again and again how low standards Selestial nutters have.
BTW, did you know that never in the history of women's tennis did a #1 player lose to a younger girl than Seles did again Jen on August 4th, 1999? Jennifer was just 15 years and 128 days old on this day.....
What an embarrassment!!!
😂
You know as tennis fans, you just witnessed how great Steffi’s forehand was at 1:24:20, even at a young age of 17. Listen to the crowd’s reaction 😲!
Steffi has so much variety in her forehand and this point illustrates how she can execute an extremely fast and powerful “flick” or “snap” crosscourt forehand. Steffi’s forehand would become even more deadlier in 2 years. No woman player, not even today’s players, have that power and accurate technique. Sure current players can hit it hard but I’ve yet to see someone hit a powerful forehand as consistent, precise, and deadly as Steffi, especially with that extraordinary stroke production. You have to be incredibly gifted in both tennis talent and athleticism.
Is there any other female player in the greatest ever debate that can claim they competed against the best tennis champions in the history of the sport in two different eras like Steffi? A young Steffi competed against the 18 slam record holders in Martina/Chris (36 slams combined) in mid-late 80s to early 90s and as an all-time great against the future 23 slam record in Serena during the late 90’s. Historically, that has such incredible significance!
It was rocket shot that went by!
@kevmcg Any chance you have the other SF with Chris and Sukova???
This was the match that got Steffi to decide to be number one for sure. She walked off the court knowing she could’ve won just like Evert did after her loss to Martina in the 84 final but not as close as this. Like Evert , graf won their next encounter in the very next slam event - Chris won French of 85 after her loss in 84 open and Graf won in 87 French. Nothing motivates than barely losing against a player that has had your number and your closing in. That first opportunity to be in a winning position then carry it off in the first close big match is rare. It’s almost that you must lose a close one to have that belief and playing to take the title rather than being in a close situation that is new and hoping you’ll pull it off. Two different mindsets. Martina always played her finest latte in the second and third set if needed ( 78 W final,81 AO final, 85 W final, 85 AO final ) by playing to win , to take it rather than playing steady,hoping to win. Martina showed that late in deciding set you bring your “A” aggressive game by going for your shots - that rubbed off on Evert and Graf. Austin and Hana did that by hitting winners in their third set tie breaks win against Martina in 81,85 open finals . When Martina did lose she always lost in very close third sets pushing, daring her opponents to play to win because that’s how she won. Martina wouldn’t give it to you , Martina forced you to win it - 85 French and in this match. This was the last year Martina would finish year end number one. Graf came back in spring at Lipton whipping Martina and Chris easily . I bet the thought of losing this match was the driving memory that made Graf work in her 9 week break to add power to her forehand and improve her already speedy self as her body matured even more . She won every tournament practically in 87 except W and open finals. ( won by Martina - the only two tournaments won that year by Martina). I believe regardless of other tournaments won or lost if a player wins W and Open in same year they should be number one regardless of computer points. Graf was year end number one for 87 with French win and many outside slam tourneys won . Martina won W and open by defeating Graf . I would’ve rather had Martina’s year than Grafs in 87 and Martina was number 2 in 1987 due to computer points .
Awesome match.
Great match, do you have the Final between Martina and Helena. I've never seen it...
playing serve and volley in gusty wind, amazing her control
Hows those adds....
I think it hasn't been discussed enough yet how short Steffi's handshake at the end was and that she didn't look Martina in the eye!!
I mean, how dare this German chick??
“German chick”. Oh please. You old sauerkraut queen.
So many holes in steffi's game at this point. Her serve still a work in progress, her backhand still somewhat shaky. She would improve so much in the following years.
BS. There were almost no holes in Steffi‘s game even then.
Otherwise she would not have been #3 in the WTA rankings at that point.
@@carrerau7138 ??? So why did Steffi say after the match that she really needed to work on her backhand? So why did she then skip the 1987 Australian open to work on the weaknesses in her backhand? Did you notice how powerless she looked in that first set? Did you see that backhand passing shot she missed on match point when she had a clear opening? Did you notice how relatively weak her serve was? Did you notice how relatively awkward her net game was? I don't think any objective observer could say that her game was not a work in progress then. She had reached number three by making steady progress and continual improvement. There was still a way to go.
@@th8257 I didn't see "many holes" in Steffi's game.
But to each their own.
How did Graf play with a ball in her left hand whilst playing? Incredible.
Navratilova knew that her reign was coming to an end.
And 11 months later Steffi - just having turned 18 - took over the #1 ranking.
And even though Martina played top level tennis for several more years she never was able to get her crown back.
Steffi, however, continued and build the greatest career ever of any woman tennis player. She became the most popular player of all time and is generally considered today as the greatest ever world-wide.
Navratilova reached all 4 slam finals in 1987, beating Graf in straight sets in the finals of W and USO. She led Graf 4-1 at this major and won her last major encounter with “the German chick” aged 34 to go 5-4 up in slams. Navratilova was already older than a retired Graf when she lost the #1 crown after a 5-6 year reign that was the most dominant in the open era.
But Graf can win the Miss Popularity prize if you like. Who cares? It's like crowing she took the bigger shoe size or made a better salad nicoise.
@@tobiasisback4605 Who cares that Navratilova beat 16/18-year-old baby Steffi several times at the USO?
22 slams, Golden Slam, most dominant 10-year reign, being the most popular player ever - that is what fans care about.
Not bitter Martina fans, though… 😁
@@carrerau7138 You care that 34 year old Granny Nav beat prime Graf at USO91. Not a baby but a 20+ woman.
Graf did not dominate for 10 years. She was toppled for 2-3 years by teenage Seles who led her 3-1 in slam finals and won 8 slams to her 3. Only regaining her hold over a weak field once that teenager was stabbed by her crazed fan. How can Graf be GOAT when she wasn’t even the best player in her own prime? Martina's 5 year reign at the top was the most dominant sustained spell in the pro era. Graf had two spells, 1987-90 and 1993-96 (post stabbing), neither of which were as dominant as Martina's 1982-86.
As for the 22 slams, then Court or Serena are your GOAT as they have more. 6 of Graf's slams were won in Seles's absence against inferior competition.
@@tobiasisback4605 Steffi in her prime in 1991?
When she lost 8 matches, more than in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996? Most have been the longest prime ever of a top player.
What a woman!! 😍
How can Navratilova be the GOAT when she wasn't even the best in her prime?
She lost 8 of 12 matches to Austin in 1979-81 at age 22-25 and didn't win even ONE slam between July 1979 and December 1981 (2.5 years)!
How can Serena be the GOAT when she wasn't even the best in her prime?
She lost 5 of 7 matches against Henin in 2003-07 at age 21-25 and won only TWO slams (only AOs) between July 2003 and September 2008 (4.25 years).
Boy, you always lose to me.
Because I have the numbers and you don't.
Chrissie is still the queen of the US Open tied with Serena for 6 titles
Chrissie is Queen of US open and the GOAT on clay!
“You can win the US Open 10 times, but it's not like winning the Grand Slam."
(Steffi Graf, August 1988)
@@carrerau7138 Actually it is. And Grand Slams were not prioritised during the 70s.
@@annoyingchannel8812 What was more important and prestigious in the 70s than a Grand Slam?
BJK's "Team Tennis"....? 😄
the last navratilova in her perfect shape against the young new tennis coming. the last time classic tennis could win against what was coming. this is the end of an era.
Navratilova won 2 Slams (beating Graf in both finals) in 1987.
Martina beat Steffi in 1991 and 1993 Toray Pan Pacific. When Martina executes her shot, she can win against Steffi. I wouldn't say Steffi is the great wall
I still get nervous watching this match and I know who won! LOL...Great to see Martina win under pressure
Martina Navratilova, the GOAT in women's tennis.
No, that‘s Steffi, sorry.
@@chrishimmelmannNope, it's Martina. Stat’s don’t lie.
@@tobiasisback4605 No, stats don't lie.
Steffi 22 slams, Martina 18
Steffi Golden Slam, Martina faltered at the USO 84 to win at least the normal Grand Slam
Steffi 8 years as #1, Martina 7 years
Steffi 89.2 career winning percentage, Martina 86.8
Martina has more doubles slam titles though. Even more than Gigi Fernandez.... 😄
@@carrerau7138 If stats don’t lie then Court is your GOAT. More slams, more titles, more consecutive slams, better winning percentage than Graf.
@@tobiasisback4605 No, Steffi had far more competition than Court (also more than Navratilova, BTW).
Court herself called Steffi "the best" about 4 years ago.
目も合わせないで勝者と握手した後、主審との握手も断る姿が素晴らしい。
Steffi said when she was young, her goal was not necessarily to win tournaments but to improve year on year. She skipped the 1987 Australian open to work on her strokes. It's a much healthier attitude for any young tennis player. It's a shame that the people around Jennifer Capriati hadn't been like that. So much pressure put on her to win, rather than improve.
That‘s only in hindsight.
Back then the Capriati camp was praised for carefully building up Jenny and NOT putting pressure on her.
@@carrerau7138 well that certainly wasn't the reality. They had her signing ridiculous, high profile contracts with all kinds of companies who were pressurising her to win grand slams. The way she reacted after losing that 1991 semi final against Seles underlined what a bad situation she was in.
@@th8257 Any evidence that those companies pressured her? How did they do this?
No, the pressure came from the public, her home country wanted an American as #1 again, not those Euro chicks Graf and Seles.
Peter Graf got a lot of stick at the time - particularly from the US - but he protected Steffi.
@@carrerau7138 Again, no idea where you got that impression from - the case was notoriously the absolute opposite. From an article from the LA Times in March 1990 when Capriati was just 13:
"Such is Capriati’s reputation already that she has signed endorsement deals reportedly worth more than $5.5 million even before her first professional match in a $350,000 tournament in her home state of Florida. Tracy Austin, almost 16 when she played and won her first professional tournament in Stuttgart, West Germany, said Capriati would have a tougher debut. “There wasn’t as much pressure on me as there is on Capriati because I had been playing and people knew who I was,” said Austin, twice U.S. Open champion before injury forced her to quit. Everyone knows who Capriati is. She has all these contracts, and she hasn’t played a match. That’s pressure.”
1:31:10 what a backhand
That point at 1:24:19. 😳😳😳
Amazing!
Martina and Graf both belong in the GOAT conversation. I don't think Graf was better or had a better career than Martina. You can't compare players from different eras. You can only say that Martina and Graf were the best of their eras. Same with Serena.
Consider, for ex., that Martina had to face Evert, also one of the best ever. Whereas Graf had no meaningful rival or competition after Seles was tragically stabbed. Seles Graf could have been such an interesting rivalry.
I love all these players and that's just my opinion FWIW.
Martina won only 2 slams before her 25th birthday in autumn 1981. At that point Evert had already 12 slam titles under her belt. From then on Martina won 16 and Evert only 6 slams (3 on FO‘s clay).
So their rivalry was divided in two parts - in each one of them was clearly dominating and the other played just a Sanchez-like role.
Steffi played 7 slam finals against Sanchez, 6 against Navratilova, 6 against Seles, one against Evert, one against Hingis. 5 players who each made at least 12 slam finals themselves.
Plus slam finals against Sabatini (3), a criminally underrated player, and against Novotna and Davenport.
No player won more all-time classic slam finals, matches which are well remembered even today.
Their rivalry was not divided. Evert was playing her best career tennis in 1985/86 before injuries slowed her down. It's just that Martina was better by then. Evert and Navratilova always had to get past the other to win a slam or for the #1 spot. No equivalent for Graf in yhe mid 90s who gobbled up slams against B-listers like Sabatini, Sanchez, MJF, et al. None of them in Evert's league.
@@tobiasisback4605 The difference between 85/86 and 87/88 Evert has one name - Steffi Graf. Exclude all of Evert's Steffi matches and she has almost the same match winning percentage.
Stay pressed, Yankee boy....🤣😂🤣
She didn't even know how to properly make the "Sign of the Cross " at the end of the match🤔
Steffi had just turned 17 here and the commentator is talking about her "finally" winning a major lol
Steffi Graf was the queen of the frosty handshakes... LOL
You would have preferred a French kiss?
It was a short and professional handshake, the norm back then.
Steffi greatest of all time
Why was Steffi so rude at the net?
@Max E I saw it in 86 and thought it was rude then- snowflake didn't exist.
Steffi's nickname on tour back in the early- mid 80s was 'Little Miss Saurer Braten' she always got mad when she lost... but, sometimes that does signal a champion in the making.
You mean she didn’t have a good net game or what?
@@aagold76 I don't see Steffi getting mad here.
She just was very disappointed and never showed fake emotions (which Americans love so much).
Wow, Steffi's handshake and body language after the match. Never the most gracious loser by a long shot.
What do you expect from a nazi?
In her defence that tie break was literally toss of a coin stuff. It flips on one point and instead of ecstasy it’s agony. Poor thing was churned up inside and was in no mood for a ‘Kodak moment’ gracious smile.
@@gerardmackay8909 Must be a coincidence then, she was never in the mood for a Kodak moment whenever she lost.
@@Dee-zy5gh very few of them are and the ones who can produce a smile are just better actors
@@gerardmackay8909 It's ok to admit that Steffi Graf was not a gracious loser. Many are that way. Definitely not all, not by a long shot.
Characteristically, Graf with the sour grapes, barely acknowledging Martina's prowess.
can't agree more
such a warm congratulations to Serena at IW 1999 though....she said she felt it the changing of the guard then...
Wrong. It’s the European way for a person to act humbly toward a senior. You don’t make eye contact, you quickly make yourself disappear. Making conversation is up to the senior, not the child.
@Max E she stated this in a later interview I believe, though she may have been suffering decency bias
@@colinoswald2 Martina was not a "senior" at this stage, nor was Steffi a "child." In America, some would consider Steffi to be quite disrespectful and infantile in such instances.
Martina beat Steffi three consecutive times at Us Open 85, 86 & 87
In 85 Steffi hadn't even won one title yet.
In 86 she hadn't even made one slam final.
In 87 she played while ill.
When both were at their peak in 88/89 Steffi owned Navratilova.
this was the best womens tennis match of the 1980's. just my utterly worthless opinion
Horrendous public, totally lined up on the side of the Graf.
Crowds usually go for underdogs. Steffi was a 16 year old kid who'd won nothing at that point. Martina had won everything. The crowd wanted to see a match, so it was fairly obvious they were going to give Steffi some encouragement.
Steffi was a fan favorite from the beginning until the end of her career.
Most people just like humble girls with beautiful legs who can dance.
Steffi was such a poor sport here. When you get defeated by a great champion like Martina you look her in the eye and say great match. Steffi owes here career to the man that took Monica out of her way. She would never have won all she did if Monica was not stabbed.
Graf is the GOAT. She is the only player with winning records against slam champions in open era (male or female).
@@rajusaha855 Martina is the GOAT
@@jamesred922 Steffi is the GOAT (unless you add doubles). In terms of versatility, consistency, athleticism, fitness & mental strength Graf is much ahead of Martina & anybody else. Martina dominate on fast court but Graf dominate on every surface (clay, grass, carpet & hard), no male or women in the open era came that close in terms of versatility as Graf.
@@joeyconvery2055 sorry GOAT isn't associate with your poor grunting queen Monica lol😆😆😆
@@rajusaha855 Navratilova is the GOAT. zin terms of total tournaments won and longevity. And Navratilova was the first woman to incorporate athleticism in women's tennis, all the others just followed. Athleticism is Navratilova's legacy. Plus Navratilova is also a good ambassador for various issues like women's rights and personal freedom. Steffi, aside from her sour attitude everytime she losses has no advocacy! Navratilova's legacy transcends beyond the tennis courts!
Graf was always a sore loser in her teenage years.
And well after too
@@Dee-zy5gh How do you know?
She rarely lost.
Anyway, she is remember by fans and media as one of the classiest top players ever.
I don't think any of your country women is. 😂
@@carrerau7138 She rately lost as a teenager? How so? Most of your so called 'records' for Graf, such as her percentage on grass, is based on discounting those early losses. Can’t have it both ways. 😜 🤡
Graf was much to good for Navratilova