Graf: U.S. Open Likely Is Her Last Major

For an achy, ailing Steffi Graf, it really couldn’t get much better--two Grand Slam finals in her last two Grand Slam appearances, including a French Open title.

With the 30-year-old Graf announcing her retirement, Grand Slam by Grand Slam, it seemed inevitable she would soon make a grander statement. And on Monday, Graf said that 1999 would likely be her final year, as far as major events are concerned. She may play some selected tournaments next year.

“I have been having to think [about it] these past few years with all the injuries I’ve been having,” said Graf, on a conference call to promote the A&P; Tennis Classic at Mahwah, N.J.

“There are a lot of times I have come very close to making this decision, and I feel fortunate I have been able to do it on my own terms and not been pushed by anything. It’s my own decision.”

After saying she would not return to the French Open or Wimbledon, as a competitive player, Graf entered the U.S. Open.

Before the Open, one of her final events will be in Southern California, the TIG Tennis Classic, July 31-Aug. 8 at La Costa Resort and Spa at Carlsbad.

Graf, who is ranked No. 3 in the world, has won the La Costa event four times and will be joined by Martina Hingis, Lindsay Davenport, Venus Williams and Anna Kournikova.

Her long comeback after knee surgery and a series of other injuries finally paid off in 1999. She reached the Australian Open quarterfinals and won the French Open, defeating Hingis in three sets.

That gave Graf 22 Grand Slam singles titles, two short of all-time leader Margaret Court.

Earlier this month, she came close to winning her eighth Wimbledon title but lost to Davenport in the final.