Steffi Graf Reflects on Winning the Best Female Tennis Player ESPY Award in 1996 and 1997
Steffi Graf, one of tennis’s greatest legends, has left an indelible mark on the sport. With her graceful athleticism, powerful groundstrokes, and sheer determination, Graf’s career is celebrated by fans worldwide. Her victories, both on and off the court, have been a testament to her talent, mental fortitude, and work ethic. Among these accolades, winning the Best Female Tennis Player ESPY Award in 1996 and 1997 holds a special place in Graf’s heart, a recognition that underscored her dominance in the sport during one of her most remarkable periods.
A Monumental Achievement
The ESPY Awards, presented annually by ESPN, celebrate the achievements of athletes across all sports. For Steffi Graf, receiving the Best Female Tennis Player award twice—first in 1996 and again in 1997—was a testament to her unparalleled performance during those years. These honors, decided by fan voting and media coverage, were not just recognition of her on-court triumphs but also highlighted her impact on the sport of tennis as a whole.
Graf had an extraordinary 1996 season. She won her 22nd Grand Slam singles title at the French Open, and while she didn’t claim another major that year, her consistent excellence across various tournaments kept her 
A Humbling Moment
Reflecting on those victories and her experience at the ESPY Awards, Graf expressed a deep sense of gratitude and humility. Winning such a prestigious honor was, for her, a recognition of not just personal success but of the collective effort put into her career. “To be recognized by my peers and the fans in such a way is incredibly humbling,” Graf said. “I always believed in pushing myself to be better every day, and to see that acknowledged, especially on such a global stage, was a true honor.”
In her 1996 and 1997 acceptance speeches, Graf was typically modest, deflecting the focus from herself and redirecting it to the hard work of those around her. She often spoke of the incredible team behind her success—her coach, her family, and the many people who helped her achieve greatness. But there was also a quiet sense of pride that permeated her words, as she knew that her achievements were the result of years of dedication, sacrifice, and overcoming challenges.
The Weight of Recognition
For Graf, winning the Best Female Tennis Player ESPY Award was about more than just being named the best in her sport. It was about the acknowledgment of her resilience, particularly during the 1990s when she faced a combination of fierce competition and personal challenges. After her historic Golden Slam in 1988, Graf remained one of the most dominant figures in women’s tennis. However, her career was not without its obstacles—dealing with injuries and the pressure of maintaining her spot at the top of the sport.
Her wins in 1996 and 1997, paired with her ESPY victories, were a recognition not only of her talent but also of her mental strength and determination to continually evolve. “There were many highs and lows,” she recalled in a later interview, “but through it all, I learned the importance of perseverance. You can’t win every match or tournament, but if you keep your focus and keep learning, the rewards will follow.”
A Legacy Cemented
Today, Graf is often regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in history, and her legacy is firmly cemented in the tennis world. Her dominance during the 1990s, combined with her groundbreaking achievement of winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles (the most by any player at the time), has ensured her place as an icon in the sport. Winning the Best Female Tennis Player ESPY Award twice was just one of many honors she received throughout her career, but it remains a special moment that encapsulates the peak of her extraordinary career.
Reflecting on these accolades, Graf remains grateful for the recognition, but she also notes that her love for tennis and the personal satisfaction of striving for excellence were the most important drivers of her success. “The joy of playing the game and the desire to challenge myself each day meant more to me than any award,” she shared. “But to be able to receive such recognition, especially from the fans and the media, is something I’ll always treasure.”
As she continues her work off the court, mentoring young athletes and championing various philanthropic causes, Steffi Graf’s career continues to inspire future generations. Her legacy as a competitor, a champion, and a true sportswoman lives on, and the recognition she received in the form of the 1996 and 1997 ESPY Awards is just one chapter of an unforgettable story in tennis history.
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