The announcement of Steffi Graf’s retirement in 1999 came as a surprise to many in the tennis world, despite her previous statements. She had just triumphed in Paris and finished as the runner-up at Wimbledon, proving she was still a serious contender for the title. Graf, known for her incredible forehand and legendary footwork, had an impressive career with 22 Grand Slam titles and multiple records, including spending 377 weeks as world No. 1. Her decision to retire was ultimately made after a disappointing tournament in San Diego, where she cited a lack of enjoyment in playing as the primary reason. Graf joined other sports stars like Boris Becker in retiring in 1999, and went on to support her now-husband, Andre Agassi, in his successful run at the US Open. Her career achievements and records, including achieving a Golden Grand Slam in 1988, remain unmatched in the tennis world.