Up for auction/sale is an authentic original copy of TENNIS Magazine from August 1986 (Vol. 22, No. 4) featuring Steffi Graf on the cover holding her Dunlop racket with the main feature: "Steffi Graf Guns for No. 1."
This is an early and highly sought-after collectible issue capturing Graf's initial rise up the WTA rankings at just 17 years old. Please note condition details below regarding cover detachment.
Cover Story & Feature: "Steffi Graf Guns for No. 1" (Pages 26–29) by Peter Bodo — Major early multi-page feature with photos including Steffi with her father/coach Peter Graf.
1986 French Open Review: "Lendl & Lloyd Win, But Pernfors Steals the Show" by Roger M. Williams.
Picture of the Month: Full-page photo spread of Martina Navratilova and Ivan Lendl dancing at the ITF World Champions Dinner in Paris ("Dancing Czech to Czech").
Pro Talk Insert: Includes the rare interior PRO TALK newsletter section (August 1986).
Instructional Columns & Features: Tips from Arthur Ashe (How Doubles Can Help Your Singles), Jimmy Connors, Tony Trabert, and Dennis Van der Meer.
Vintage Ads: Features full-page vintage tennis advertisements including the Wilson Ceramic Racket intro, Babolat VS Gut (featuring Martina Navratilova kissing her racket), and Country Time Lemonade.
Publication Name: TENNIS
Issue Date: August 1986
Volume/Issue: Vol. 22, No. 4
Cover Feature: Steffi Graf
Publisher: Golf Digest/Tennis Inc. (A New York Times Company)
Language: English
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
⚠️ PLEASE READ CONDITION DETAILS BEFORE BIDDING/PURCHASING:
Cover Condition: The outer cover wrap (front cover, spine, and back cover) has completely detached from the interior staple binding. The front and back cover pages show edge wear, minor chipping, and tears along the spine fold where the staples pulled through.
Mailing Label: Original subscriber mailing label present at the bottom of the front cover.
Interior Pages: The interior magazine block remains intact, complete, and fully readable. Pages are clean with bright colors and standard age-related shelf wear on outer margins.
Overall: Offered as-is as an "oldie but goodie" reading/reference copy or framable cover/article project for Steffi Graf collectors!
Ships flat and rigid with heavy cardboard backing inside a clear protective poly sleeve so all loose components remain safe and flat during transit.
Shipped via USPS Ground Advantage (or Priority Mail upon request).
Combined shipping is available if purchasing multiple vintage items!