Steffi Graf at 57: Behind 22 Grand Slam titles lies a story of pressure, heartbreak and sacrifice

At 57, Steffi Graf remains one of the most celebrated names in tennis history. Her achievements still set her apart, from 22 Grand Slam singles titles to an extraordinary 377 weeks at world No. 1. Yet her legacy is not only about records. Graf's career brought intense pressure, public attention and difficult personal moments. After years spent competing at the highest level, she stepped away from professional tennis and built a life that placed family and personal priorities ahead of the spotlight.Steffi Graf's tennis career was shaped by extraordinary pressureGraf became a professional player at just 13. Her rise was rapid, and the expectations grew with every major victory. She eventually reached the top of women's tennis and delivered one of the sport's rarest achievements in 1988, winning all four Grand Slam singles titles and Olympic gold in the same calendar year. That historic Golden Slam remains a defining moment in tennis.But success came with a demanding schedule and constant public attention. Her family also faced difficult scrutiny, including the tax-evasion case involving her father, Peter Graf. In 1993, tennis was shaken by the stabbing of Monica Seles by a spectator obsessed with Graf. The incident was a tragedy that affected the sport and Seles deeply. Graf was not responsible for the attack.Injuries later became another challenge. Still, she found a way to finish her career on a remarkable note. Graf won her 22nd Grand Slam singles title at the 1999 French Open, defeating Martina Hingis in the final. She retired later that year, leaving behind a record that continues to inspire generations of players.Steffi Graf chose family and charity after retirementAway from the tennis court, Graf built a quieter life with fellow tennis champion Andre Agassi. The couple married in 2001 and raised their two children, Jaden and Jaz. Although she no longer competes professionally, Graf has remained connected to charitable work.One of her most significant projects is Children for Tomorrow, an organisation she founded in 1998. It supports children and families affected by war, persecution and forced displacement, offering psychological help and other forms of support.Graf's life after tennis shows that an athlete's identity does not have to remain tied to competition. Her 22 major titles and Golden Slam secured her place in sporting history. Her work beyond the court adds another dimension to that legacy. At 57, her story is not one of disappearing from public life, but of choosing where to direct her time and energy.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.