The stars of our sport shared stories about their heroes, both in life and on the court, and how these idols shaped who they are today. For more "My Hero" submissions, click here.

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Irina Falconi: Steffi Graf

Irina Falconi: Steffi Graf

Irina Falconi: Steffi Graf

Irina Falconi: Steffi Graf

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Steffi Graf is my hero, for sure. When I was young I would watch her play tennis all the time on TV, and she was the most amazing player I'd ever seen. She was probably the biggest reason why I took up tennis. When I was seven years old, I was living in New York and went to Central Park, and she happened to be doing a clinic with Jimmy Connors. I still have that picture on my wall, and every day it reminds me that she's one of the biggest reasons why I'm here today.

Graf photo from Wikimedia Commons