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Graf, Edberg elected to Hall of Fame
January 16, 2004 12:55 IST
Former world number ones Steffi Graf and Stefan Edberg, who between them captured 28 Grand Slam titles, were elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Thursday.
Graf, who retired in 1999 and is married to Andre Agassi, dominated women's tennis through much of the 1980s and 90s claiming 107 singles titles, including 22 in Grand Slam events.
Ranked number one for 331 weeks, including a record 189 in a row, Graf's best year came in 1988 when the German powered her way to a calendar year Grand Slam and also won Olympic gold.
A player of sublime talent whose game translated on all surfaces, Graf was at her best on grass winning seven Wimbledon titles (1988-89, 1991-93, 1995-96). She also captured six French Opens (1987-88, 1993, 1995-96, 1999), five U.S. Opens (1988-89, 1993, 1995-96) and four Australian Opens (1988-90, 1994).
Edberg, a consummate serve and volleyer, won 41 singles titles, including six in Grand Slam tournaments and led Sweden to four Davis Cup crowns.
Quiet and cool, the soft-spoken Edberg was from the same mould as other Swedish greats like Bjorn Borg and Mats Wilander. He won Wimbledon titles in 1988 and 1990, back-to-back U.S. Open titles in 1991-92 and the Australian Open in 1985 and 1987.
Induction ceremonies will be held July 11.