Steffi Graf

The competition at the "Ariake" Gymnastics Center will certainly be marked by the world number one's performance, primarily because of the opportunity that presented itself to him - to become the first tennis player with the Golden Slam.

Angelique Kerber upset world number one Serena Williams 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to clinch the Australian Open on Jan. 30 and become the first German to win a grand slam title since her childhood idol Steffi Graf in 1999. 

Maria Sharapova had given warning that she was ready for a three hour French Open final - and she was true to her word, stopping the clock at three hours two minutes to lift the trophy.