PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2019
Answer
West Germany
Explanation
Legendary tennis player Steffi Graf won the Women's Singles Gold Medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Since Germany was divided into two distinct nations at that time (prior to the 1990 reunification), she represented 'West Germany' (Federal Republic of Germany). The year 1988 is legendary in tennis history because Steffi Graf won all four major Grand Slam titles and the Olympic Gold in the same calendar year, becoming the first and only player ever to achieve a 'Calendar Golden Slam'.
Key Points
- > Steffi Graf won a total of 22 Grand Slam singles titles in her illustrious career.
- > A 'Golden Slam' is achieved when a player wins all four Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympic Gold medal in the same calendar year.
- > West Germany and East Germany competed as separate nations in the Olympics until they formally reunified in October 1990.
- > Steffi Graf is married to former American world No. 1 tennis player Andre Agassi.
- > The four Grand Slam tournaments are Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
Additional Information
Famous Tennis Players & Their Countries
| Player Name | Country | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Steffi Graf | Germany (West Germany) | Only player to achieve a Calendar Golden Slam |
| Roger Federer | Switzerland | 20 Grand Slam singles titles |
| Rafael Nadal | Spain | Known as the 'King of Clay' (French Open) |
| Novak Djokovic | Serbia | Most Grand Slam men's singles titles |
| Serena Williams | USA | 23 Grand Slam women's singles titles |
Memory Tips
- Historical Context Check: The year was 1988. The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, and Germany reunified in 1990. Therefore, Graf had to represent either West or East Germany.