After witnessing Aryna Sabalenka’s thrilling victory at the US Open, tennis legend Steffi Graf couldn’t help but reflect on her own final triumph on the court. Graf, who won her last Grand Slam title at the 1999 French Open, shared her emotions watching Sabalenka’s journey to victory. “It’s a reminder of the intense joy and emotion that comes with winning a major championship,” she said. “Seeing Aryna fight through the challenges on her way to victory brought back memories of my own battles.”
Graf, whose career spanned over two decades, remains one of the most accomplished players in tennis history, with 22 Grand Slam titles to her name. Her last victory was particularly special, as she had to overcome a series of injuries and stiff competition to clinch the French Open trophy. “That final match felt like a culmination of all my efforts, my highs and lows. Watching Aryna reminded me of how satisfying and emotional it is to achieve your dreams in such a competitive environment.”
While Graf has been out of the competitive tennis scene for over two decades, her legacy continues to inspire players like Sabalenka. Reflecting on the present, Graf praised the current generation of athletes, noting their resilience and passion. “The game has evolved, but the spirit remains the same. Watching Aryna win reminded me of the heart and determination required to reach the top,” she concluded, passing the torch to the next generation of champions.
