In a candid reflection on the significance of Grand Slam records in tennis, Andre Agassi once discussed how Serena Williams surpassing Steffi Graf’s record had surprisingly little impact on the German legend. Steffi Graf, who remains an icon of the sport with 22 Grand Slam titles to her name, was widely celebrated for decades as the most accomplished female tennis player. However, as Williams pursued and eventually surpassed Graf’s record, surpassing it to reach 23 Grand Slam titles at the 2017 Australian Open, some fans and pundits expected more fanfare or reaction from Graf.
According to Agassi, Graf’s husband and a tennis legend in his own right, Graf did not attach personal significance to being overtaken in the historical rankings. In an interview, Agassi revealed that while the general public and tennis analysts often place great importance on such records, for Graf, the sentiment was different. He explained that she felt no particular attachment to the accolade and, in fact, didn’t view Serena’s achievement as having any effect on her legacy. “It had no relevance for Steffi,” Agassi stated, emphasizing that Graf’s outlook on her career and records was deeply personal and independent of others’ achievements.
Agassi elaborated that Graf had always valued the journey, discipline, and personal fulfillment that came with playing tennis over the statistical or competitive milestones that the world often obsesses over. “She felt obligated to put importance on her own experience, the growth it brought her, and the love for the sport,” Agassi added, noting that while public perception may thrive on rivalries and record-breaking, Graf’s contentment with her career was shaped by more internal measures of success.
This perspective is consistent with how Graf has often presented herself: as a reserved and private individual who found joy in the sport itself rather than in public accolades. Agassi’s insight sheds light on why Graf remained largely silent during the excitement surrounding Williams’ ascent to 23 Grand Slam titles, a number that has since stood as the Open Era record. In a landscape where athletes often feel pressured to comment on or defend their legacies, Graf’s serene detachment exemplified her unique approach to competition and life beyond the tennis court.
Serena Williams, for her part, has often spoken with admiration of Graf and the pioneers who came before her, acknowledging the trail they blazed for her own historic run. However, Agassi’s revelation confirms that while records may be made to be broken, for Steffi Graf, the true reward was never in the numbers—it was in the love of the game.
