Steffi Graf’s reflects on her Breakthrough in 1986: The Beginning of a Legendary Career, her match against Chris Evert on WTA title in Hilton Head

In 1986, a 16-year-old Steffi Graf made a stunning debut on the professional tennis circuit, securing her first WTA title at the Hilton Head International Tournament.

In the final, Graf defeated tennis icon Chris Evert, winning 6-3, 6-4. At the time, Evert, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, was considered one of the game’s greatest, and Graf’s victory was a clear signal that a new force was rising in women’s tennis.

This win marked the beginning of an extraordinary career for the young German. Over the next 13 years, Graf would go on to become one of the most dominant players in

tennis history, amassing a total of 107 singles titles—the third most in history behind only Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams. Graf’s game was defined by her explosive forehand, athleticism, and a combination of power and precision that made her nearly unbeatable on all surfaces.

Perhaps her greatest achievement came in 1988, when she became the first and only player to win the “Golden Slam,” capturing all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold medal in a single calendar year. This remarkable feat cemented her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Graf retired in 1999, having won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era at the time. Her impact on tennis is still felt today, as her dominance during the late 1980s and 1990s set a new standard for excellence.

From her breakthrough victory at Hilton Head to her career-ending triumphs, Steffi Graf’s legacy as one of the greatest players in tennis history is firmly secure.