WTA legend Chris Evert is always happy to hype up her counterparts- even if they were her rivals on the court. Recently, she made her stance clear on the whole GOAT debate- and interestingly enough, she did not side with Martina Navratilova or Serena Williams! She instead went with another WTA hall-of-Famer, who is undoubtedly an inspiration to millions of women, worldwide.
Yes, Evert is in awe of Steffi Graf! In reply to a recent fan tweet that specifically asks her to recount Graf’s legacy, Evert has an interesting reply. The tennis enthusiast argues that completing a calendar slam is one of the biggest achievements one can have on the court. If any tennis player were to achieve this feat, their fans would undoubtedly react “very strongly”. Graf owned this legacy in 1988 and topped it with an Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year. Evert remembers the legend fondly in her reply.
Yes, Evert is in awe of Steffi Graf! In reply to a recent fan tweet that specifically asks her to recount Graf’s legacy, Evert has an interesting reply. The tennis enthusiast argues that completing a calendar slam is one of the biggest achievements one can have on the court. If any tennis player were to achieve this feat, their fans would undoubtedly react “very strongly”. Graf owned this legacy in 1988 and topped it with an Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year. Evert remembers the legend fondly in her reply.
She says, “I feel the Majors, especially winning all 4 Majors in one Calendar year, are more important/ newsworthy in today’s game. It’s too bad, so many other stats are important. To me, Graf is a #goat.”
While Graf’s daughter herself hails her mother as the greatest of all time, Evert’s reply makes it clear that she was not just playing favorites.
With this, Evert leaves no room for doubt as to who is her favorite candidate for the GOAT title.
What do the fans have to say?
Shortly after Evert’s post, tennis fans swarmed in with their comments, praising Graf.
Thank you for your insight, i very much agree!!
— Sam (@sogsupreme) March 28, 2023
A fan points out that Serena and Navratilova both have won consecutive Grand Slams. Just as the GOAT debate is supposed to, Evert’s tweet fuelled reactions from Navratilova fans too who argue that with 167 titles and 59 Grand Slams, she is the real GOAT.
Is it though? @Martina and @serenawilliams both won 4 consecutive grand slam singles titles and held all 4 at once. That’s just as impressive. #goattalk
— Tony Minutelli Official (@tonyminutelli) March 29, 2023
Steffi in my view stands alongside Serena and Margaret Court in the next group below Martina, who undoubtedly stands alone at the top with her unrivalled career record, 167 career titles is just extraordinary.
— Chris Gollop (@ChrisRGollop) March 28, 2023
Completely agree, and the fact that Graf won Olympic gold that year was icing on the cake for an incredible season.
— Christian Adamiak (@agent_007_00) March 28, 2023
Both Steffi Graf and Serena Williams retired at the peak of their careers on the court. A fan commented how both these legends could have played for the pinnacle “at least once”.
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Graf is the GOAT of movement sorry not sorry. She was like a gazelle. So wish we got to see Graf v. Serena both at peak at least once https://t.co/WFYiFUIy2I
— tennis to it yuh (@TennisYuh) March 28, 2023
As the GOAT debate continues for both ATP and WTA icons alike, it becomes increasingly difficult for fans to take one single stance- given how players keep revamping their own legacies every day. While opinions surely differ on who should be considered the GOAT of tennis, Graf’s career achievements, longevity at the top, and impact on the sport make her a strong contender for the title.
