This is the year of the Olympics and like it happens every 4 years, everyone is talking about the possibility of a golden slam this year, like the way Steffi Graf did in 88 (and let me say that only Steffi Graf did it so far) and even Djokovic has openly expressed his intentions of aiming for the golden slam, a feat that would be unimaginable (if you are Peter Bodo, would say 'imagining the unimaginable') but would be a great sporting achievement if it can be repeated this year. As a tennis fan, would be great for the sport if that happens but as a Steffi Graf fan, I still want it to be an unimaginable achievement that only the great Steffi Graf can make it imaginable. Regardless of my personal opinions, here is all the best to Djokovic for his tough task ahead as no task is impossible, even the unimaginable ones.
On that note, thought it is time to revisit this old article from SI vault written just before the US open in 1988, remebering all the past champions that have won a career slam (only 2 men and 3 women have achieved the calendar year GS, the last one being in 88 by Steffi Graf). I was particulary struck by this comment by Mr.Brinker, husband of Maureen Conolly, the youngest of the career GS champions (she was 3 months younger than Graf when she did it in 1953):
Four years ago, when Navratilova beat Sukova 6-1 in the first set of the semifinals of the Australian Open, which was the last leg of the Slam that year, Court, who had been watching on TV at home in Perth, turned off the set and went shopping. She was satisfied that Martina would soon join her as the only living female Slammer. But by the time Court returned, Sukova had won the last two sets 6-3, 7-5.
This July, at home in Dallas, Brinker flipped on the Wimbledon women's final. Graf fell behind a set and 2-0, but he didn't turn off the set. He watched as she won the third leg of the Slam. "It's funny." Brinker says. "You know, I never really saw Maureen play, but just watching Steffi for a few minutes, just a few minutes, and you know what I said to myself? I said, There is Maureen."
Graf was born June 14, 1969, the Saturday before Little Mo died. Evidently, the torch is to be passed.
For once have to grudgingly acknowledge the writing of Frank Deford....
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1067682/3/index.htm
Steffi Graf is among the best Advertising German celebrities, not a suprise as her name brings a lot of credibility to a product. http://www.wuv.de/nachrichten/unternehmen/jauch_adorf_graf_die_besten_deutschen_werbe_promis
If any doubt, look at the Nintendo sales in Germany since Steffi started endorsing their product.
http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=170825
Fans from the Indian sub-continent, look for the Andre Agassi - Steffi Graf interview on CNN-IBN show, Dimensions, dates of which have yet to be announced and if possible, share with the rest of us.
http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2871835.ece
Did you know that the person who officiated Agassi-Graf's wedding in their backyard is currently Nevada Supreme Court's Justice!!!!
http://www.lvrj.com/news/luxor-host-to-talk-at-trainer-s-funeral-138917094.html?ref=094
What's in a name?? Musings of a girl named after Steffi.
http://steffimarie.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/whats-in-a-name/
