Graf, Edberg enshrined in tennis Hall of Fame
(China Daily)
Updated: 2004-07-13 06:45

Germany's Steffi Graf and Sweden's Stefan Edberg, who combined for 149 singles titles and 28 Grand Slam triumphs, were enshrined on Sunday in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

The other member of the Class of 2004 was Dorothy "Dodo" Cheney, the first American to win the Australian National Championship in 1938.

Graf and Edberg were elected in the Recent Player category, while Cheney was elected as a Master Player. Each inductee needed a 75 per cent vote for induction.

Graf was presented in a seven-minute moving tribute by her husband, future Hall of Famer Andre Agassi.

"As I attempt to find words worthy to introduce the person who has changed my life I realize the words have yet to be invented that are large enough, colourful enough and true enough to express the heart and soul of this woman I love, Stephanie," said Agassi.

Graf, who arrived in Newport with Agassi, her father Peter, mother Heidi and brother Michael, had difficulty regaining her composure when it was her turn to speak.

"Not that this occasion isn't emotional enough, but to hear that you are loved so much is amazing," she said.

Graf had her own message to Agassi. "The best part of my journey in tennis is it led me to you," she said.

Graf won the Golden Grand Slam in 1988, which included all four Grand Slams and the Olympic gold medal in Seoul.

She is the only player to ever win all four Grand Slams at least four times in her career.

In all, she won 22 singles titles at the Grand Slams - four Australian Opens, six French Opens, seven Wimbledon, and five US trophies.

Edberg, 38, who retired in 1996, was introduced by his long time coach, Tony Pickard.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame by virtue of winning six Grand Slam singles titles, having been ranked No 1 in the world in singles for 72 non-consecutive weeks and also ranking No 1 in doubles, and being a part of four winning Swedish Davis Cup teams.

Edberg thanked Bjorn Borg, the famous Swede who came before him for "inspiring me because without him I wouldn't be here."

The Swede also made note of the 50 former Hall of Fame inductees who took part in a 50th Anniversary celebration on Saturday afternoon - players like John McEnroe, Chris Evert, John Newcombe and Margaret Court, who were in attendance.

"Yesterday was even more special because there was so much talent in one place and I will remember that for the rest of my life," said Edberg.

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