For Lisicki, Graf’s Shadow Still Looms As Best German Player

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 26th December 2013

For Lisicki, Graf’s Shadow Still Looms As Best German Player

epa03776522 Germany's championship hopeful Sabine Lisicki during a training session on the eve of the women's final for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 05 July 2013. EPA/GERRY PENNY |

World No.15 Sabine Lisicki says that despite her success, it will be very difficult for her to live up to the standards set by fellow German and 22-time Grand Slam titlist Steffi Graf. Lisicki did well to reach the 2013 Wimbledon final, but Graf won that tournament on seven occasions. She says that Graf still casts a shadow over the rest of the German players.

“There always has been. I don’t know any different,” Lisicki told the Sydney Morning Herald. “She won so many Grand Slams, she was such an amazing player – the yardstick is so high now and anything below that is not good enough. I grew up like that but I put the most pressure on myself.”

The 24-year-old Lisicki does have reason to be optimistic about 2014 though as she put together one of her best seasons in 2013. She knocked out No. 1 Serena Williams out of Wimbledon and also overcame Agnieszka Radwanska in a spectacular three-set semifinal. She then fell to Marion Bartoli in the final and broke down in tears, but now she is optimistic.

“It was a huge achievement to be so close to realizing a dream,” Lisicki said. “It was a learning experience. I am a much stronger person on the court now.”

The big-serving German is will play the Brisbane International, which begins on Sunday. Williams is the defending champion and top seed. But Lisicki says she doesn’t fear her.

“I have respect for the player but as soon as I am on the court I want to win, no matter who is on the other side,” she said. “You still have to play your best tennis to beat her, but it gave me a lot of confidence to beat Serena, especially at Wimbledon where she was the favorite. You live for those moments.”

Topics: 10sballs, Agnieszka Radwanska, Marion Bartoli, Sabine Lisicki, Serena Williams, Sports, Steffi Graf, Tennis, Tennis News, Wimbledon