"I think if there's one record that will forever stand, it's this one" - Rennae Stubbs on Steffi Graf's Calendar Golden Slam
Former Australian tennis player and coach Rennae Stubbs believes that Steffi Graf's record of winning a Calendar Golden Slam will never be broken. Graf is the only player in history to have achieved this remarkable feat.
The Calendar Golden Slam is achieved when a player wins all four Grand Slam titles - the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open - in addition to the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year. Given the four-year cycle of the Olympics, it is an incredibly difficult accomplishment to pull off.
In 1988, however, Steffi Graf made history by becoming the first and only player till date to complete the Calendar Golden Slam. At the young age of 19, she accomplished this remarkable feat with ease.
In a conversation with Racquet Magazine co-founder Caitlin Thompson, Rennae Stubbs emphatically claimed that the former World No. 1's record is unassailable.
“I think if there’s one record that will forever stand, I think it will be that one because to be able to do it in one year (is extraordinary),” Rennae Stubbs commented on Graf's Calendar Golden Slam in a recent episode of 'The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast'.
Graf is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. During her illustrious 16-year professional career, she won an impressive 22 Grand Slam titles.
Caitlin Thompson was also in awe of the German's record. She said:
“You have all four trophies and a gold medal in your trophy case from the same year and Steffi Graf is the only person who has that. Like that is so cool.”
On this day in 1988 ⏰
Steffi Graf defeats Gabriela Sabatini 6-3, 6-3 at the Seoul @Olympics & becomes the first player to complete a Calendar Golden Slam! https://t.co/fmytyQ39ue
Graf's accomplishments and records are numerous, but winning the Calendar Golden Slam is one of her most impressive feats. This record has cemented the German's legacy for eternity.
"It's surreal to be that many weeks World No. 1, to match Steffi Graf" - Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic recently shared his thoughts on becoming the new holder of the all-time World No. 1 record. He admitted that it was a surreal experience for him to be the world's top-ranked player for so many weeks and to match the legendary Steffi Graf in the process. The 10-time Australian Open champion also expressed his gratitude for being in such esteemed company.
"Of course, it's surreal in a way to be that many weeks world No. 1, to match Steffi Graf, that is one of the all-time greats of our sport, both men and women. Just being amongst these legendary names is flattering. Of course, I'm very proud of it," Djokovic said in a recent press conference.
The Serb is currently gunning for his sixth Dubai title. He will also look to extend his 14-match winning streak in 2023 when he takes on Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals of the tournament.