"There are a hundred like Steffi Graf back in the States";"I never forget" - When Tracy Austin and German's father Peter got into war of words

American tennis legend Tracy Austin once made a critical comment about Steffi Graf following their first meeting on tour. However, it was the German's father Peter who took offense to Austin's remark and harbored resentment over it.

Graf made her professional tennis debut at just 13 years old, competing at Filderstadt, Germany, in 1982. She faced former World No. 1 and two-time US Open champion Tracy Austin in her opening match. The American dominated the encounter, claiming a 6-4, 6-0 victory.

Following the match, the German media asked Tracy Austin about her thoughts on Steffi Graf's potential, questioning if she could see the then-13-year-old becoming World No. 1 in the future. However, Austin dismissed the idea, asserting that there were many players of Graf's caliber in the United States.

"There are a hundred like her back in the States," Austin said.

By 1989, Graf had won six Major titles, achieved the historic calendar year Golden Slam, and established herself as the World No. 1. However, her father Peter still held a grudge about Austin's comment, admitting that he would never forget it in an interview with Sports Illustrated that year.

"I never forget this remark," says Peter.

Steffi Graf and Tracy Austin squared off for the second and final time at the 1994 Evert Cup, where the German claimed a commanding 6-0, 6-0 victory. Speaking to the press after the loss, Austin addressed her controversial remark and joked that she deserved credit for motivating the German to become the best in the world.

"Maybe I should get some of the credit (for her rise to No. 1). Maybe I made her mad and motivated. Maybe she could share her trophies with me," she said.

"I played Steffi Graf in her first career match ever, she was this kid who hit the ball so hard I couldn't believe it" - Tracy Austin

Steffi Graf and Tracy Austin - Source: Getty

Tracy Austin recalled her first encounter with Steffi Graf when the German announced her decision to retire from professional tennis in 1999, recounting that she was taken aback by the then-teenager's powerful ball-striking.

"I played her in her first career match ever. She was this 14-year-old kid, who hit the ball so hard I couldn't believe it. I said to myself who is this kid?" Austin said.

The American also expressed her belief that Graf was the greatest women's tennis player in history, emphasizing that the 22-time Grand Slam champion's consistency across all surfaces was unmatched.

''It would be tough to rank anybody higher than Steffi because of the 22 Grand Slam singles titles, she's won each of the four majors at least four times, and that is very high consistency across all surfaces," she added.

Looking on the brighter side of Steffi Graf's retirement, Tracy Austin expressed delight that the former World No. 1 was ending her career on her terms.