3) Steffi Graf
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With a record 22 Grand Slam singles titles to her name, it would be criminal not to have the great Steffi Graf’s name in any list pertaining to women’s tennis that begins with the term – ‘Greatest’.
She triumphed at the US Open 5 times (’88, ‘89, ‘93, ‘95, ‘96) in a period of 8 years with the win in 1996 achieved without losing a set. She also reached the finals thrice during the period, only to be beaten by Navratilova (1987), Gabriela Sabatini (1990) and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario (1994).
The German is the only player to achieve the Golden Slam (all 4 Grand Slams plus the Olympic gold) in a calendar year. Fittingly, she defeated Navratilova in the final in 1989 and then defeating her arch-rival Monica Seles twice in 2 years in the final (’95 & ‘96). The 1995 final was also one of the best finals ever witnessed at the Flushing Meadows, with Graf overcoming a 6-0 blanking in the 2nd set to win it 7-6, 0-6, 6-3.
One of the few players comfortable on all surfaces, Steffi’s powerful forehand and impeccable footwork were a sight to behold. A great champion!
