To me, Steffi Graf is a GOAT: Chris Evert

Chris Evert has yet again endorsed Steffi Graf as a 'GOAT,' or greatest of all time.

Evert recently had a social media interaction with a tennis fan about the rising importance of Grand Slams. The 18-time Major champion was asked if the hype around winning a calendar-year Grand Slam was as prominent when Steffi Graf achieved the feat in 1988, as it is in today’s time.

The fan opined that winning a calendar year Slam in this era holds more importance in the eyes of the fans and the media. In 2021, when Novak Djokovic fell one win short of achieving the Calendar Slam by losing in the final of the US Open, there was a huge frenzy around the possibility of the feat.

Chris Evert responded that Grand Slams carry much more importance now than they did in the previous century which, according to her, isn’t ideal. The American went on to declare that Steffi Graf is a 'GOAT.'

“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 important. To me, Graf is a #goat,” she said.

Chris Evert knows all too well about Steffi Graf’s dominant run in 1988, which began with a win over the 18-time Grand Slam champion herself - in the final of the Australian Open. Graf's campaign included winning not just all the four Grand Slams but the Olympic gold as well, making her the only tennis player to achieve the feat of the 'Calendar Golden Slam.'

Graf won 11 out of her 107 total singles career titles in 1988, including two against Chris Evert - in the finals of the Australian Open and the Miami Open.

"I didn’t realize at that point how specially really it was" – When Steffi Graf opened up about her 1988 Golden Slam feat

Steffi Graf completed the Golden Slam by winning the 1988 Olympic gold in Seoul

Steffi Graf’s reflection on winning the Calendar Golden Slam adds credence to the claim that lifting Major trophies back then wasn’t as hyped up as it is now.

Graf was only 19 when she created history by completing the Golden Slam. In an old interview, the former player reflected on the monumental feat, noting that while the achievement was “extremely special,” she may have failed to understand the enormity of it as a teenager.

“Extremely special. I think I didn’t realize at that point how specially really it was. I was 19 years old and, you know, winning my first Grand Slam the year before, and the suddenly winning four in the same year and topping it off with going to Seoul and winning the gold medal,” Graf said.

“I mean it just was overwhelming really at that point, you know. I think it helped me a lot being young and kind of naive and not really being aware so much of the moment,” she continued.