Going Into Women’s Final Today, Graf Hasn’t Lost to Spain’s Sanchez

Is this a mismatch?

Steffi Graf of West Germany, who has lost only four sets all year, plays for the French Open title today against a 17-year-old Spaniard to whom she has never lost.

In the 22 months since she became No. 1 in the rankings, Graf has dropped only 22 sets. Arantxa Sanchez must take two from her in one afternoon.

Sanchez, whose other favorite sports are soccer, cycling and basketball, may not like tennis very much when she meets Graf this afternoon at Stade Roland Garros.

At least, Sanchez, 0-3 against Graf in her career, knows what she’s up against.

“I have to keep my confidence,” she said.

It won’t be easy. Graf dropped a set to 15-year-old Monica Seles of Yugoslavia in the semifinals, but she may call a halt to the women’s tennis youth movement with Sanchez.

The stakes for Graf are high. She can win her third consecutive French Open title, her sixth consecutive Grand Slam, her eighth tournament this year and, of course, $257,379.

Graf’s career earnings are already $4,257,454, putting her in third place behind Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert.