Lars Graff: A Front-Row Seat to Tennis History

On the most recent episode of the Florida Tennis Podcast, host Adam Ross got a chance to interview Lars Graff — a legendary chair umpire who, for decades, was a presence at pro tournaments around the globe. He moved on in 2020 to become the Vice President of the ATP and later that year took on the prestigious Co-Tournament Director role at the China Open.

For Graff, tennis wasn’t just a hobby—it was baked into Swedish culture from the beginning. “For me, this has been a lifetime journey starting when I was a ball kid for Bjorn Borg in Sweden. My love for the sport is undisputed," explains Graff.

From childhood inspiration to national competition, Graff’s immersion in tennis was hands-on... literally. “You enter a junior tournament… you lose the match, you have to umpire the next match… maybe $1 per set. If you got a three-set match, you got $3 in your hand and now you can buy an ice cream,” he explains.

The system built not just discipline, but mutual respect. “That’s probably why… the Swedish players were often very respectful to umpires because they came from a background that if you lost the match, you have to umpire.”

Photo courtesy of Lars Graff.

Graff would go on to umpire more than 7,000 professional matches, including some of the most legendary in tennis history. “That must be the Wimbledon final 2009, Federer–Roddick. That was the highlight… 16–14 in the fifth set… and Roddick lost his serve once.” 

The pressure moments? Graff never shied away. “I was a service line umpire, Sweden–United States in the Davis Cup final. The United States played with Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Peter Fleming, and Bob Lutz. 15,000 people in the stadium and McEnroe standing at the net staring at you.” 

That said, no moment defined his career like Cincinnati 2001. “It was 40–30, Rafter served, and he hit the ball flat on the line—boom. The line umpire called the ball out. I said, ‘Correction. Ball is good. Game, set, match, Rafter.’”

The aftermath of that call still resonates. “The crowd was a little in uproar… I had to wait in the office for a while because people were worried about the crowd.” Years later, it was voted the most unforgettable moment in the tournament’s history. “The Cincinnati Enquirer made a survey… this was No. 1.” And while some saw controversy, Graff saw instinct. “You don’t even think about it… it’s just a reaction. You see the ball on the line… you make the call.”

Photo courtesy of Lars Graff.

In his latest role as Co-Tournament Director at the China Open, Graff still maintains a deep connection to players and fans alike. “If you’re a seeded player, you can expect me to be at the airport greeting you… I gave the mascot to all the players—Sabalenka, Iga, Sinner, Alcaraz.” He’s built trust by staying available. “I don’t sit in my office and close the door and hide… I want the players to come to me. If the internet is not working… if the food is not good enough… if the water is cold in the showers… tell me.”

Even after decades on the circuit, his passion is far from fading. “I think I’m more excited now than I was when I started. The tennis stars are stronger than ever."

And he's enthusiastic about the state of U.S. tennis today as well. Although American women have always proved their mettle, he notes, "I think the American men’s side is in a very healthy state. There’s a lot of American players… Taylor Fritz is the highest ranked, but Ben Shelton can win a Grand Slam. Tommy Paul can win a Grand Slam. Tiafoe can win a Grand Slam… it’s just a question of time.” 

Whether on the court or behind the scenes, Lars Graff continues to shape tennis with insight, humility, and a deep love for the game.

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Written by Florida Tennis Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. Florida Tennis Podcast is hosted by Adam Ross and can be found on the Florida Tennis YouTube channel and Bleacher Brothers Network. Top Photo Credit: Lars Graff