Steffi Graf: "Germany needs top tournaments!"
The tennis legend takes on the patronage of the bett1open in Berlin and is delighted: "Spectators and players alike will be thrilled."
Steffi Graf is one of the greatest living legends in tennis, actually in sports in general. With 22 triumphs, she is the record winner at Grand Slam tournaments. She led the world rankings for 377 weeks - another record - before ending her unique career in 1999 after 17 years. She then withdrew from the light of publicity / She then disappeared from the public eye. Steffi became Stefanie Graf again. She always preferred her real name to the short form "Steffi," with which she became a global celebrity. Stefanie Graf lives in Las Vegas with her husband Andre Agassi, also a tennis legend, and their children Jaden Gill and Jaz Elle. But nevertheless, she always has the German proverbial “suitcase in Berlin." Her nine victories at the tournament have made the picturesque grounds of the “LTTC Rot Weiß” in the beautiful Grunewald area a special place for Stefanie Graf. That is why she has decided to take over the patronage of this year's bett1open in Berlin. From June 11 to 19, the best players in the world will compete for the tournament victory and a total prize money of 768,680 US dollars.
In this interview, Steffi Graf explains why she is committed to the bett1open in Berlin.
Mrs. Graf, you rarely appear in public. Why did you decide to take on the patronage of the bett1open 2022 in Berlin?
Stefanie Graf: "I often think back to the many wonderful moments I was able to experience in Berlin. The tournament deserves attention and recognition. I know how passionately Barbara Rittner, in her roles as Tournament Director and Head of Women's Tennis at the German Tennis Federation, has worked for many years to better position tennis in Germany. To do that, Germany needs top tournaments. Here in Berlin, many local staff and volunteers are committed to make that happen. With the switch from clay to grass, and thus as a perfect preparatory tournament for Wimbledon, a very special atmosphere is being created. The venue is beautifully located and the tournament will be a lot of fun for everyone."
In your role as patroness, you follow former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. What do you have to say about that?
Stefanie Graf: "I am honored, of course. Dr. Merkel's commitment illustrates the importance that not only the tournament, but tennis as a whole, brings joy . Our sport unites people all over the world: whether young or old, women or men - everyone enjoys it. In Germany, too, we can once again see a growing enthusiasm for tennis. More and more important tournaments are being held in Germany. And with the generation of players around Angie Kerber and her Wimbledon victory in 2018, German tennis rightly has its place among the world's best."
You live in Las Vegas with your family. What do you notice about the developments in German tennis, especially in women's tennis?
Stefanie Graf: "Of course I follow women's tennis more from a distance. I have already had nice personal encounters with some German players, partly here in Las Vegas, partly at exhibition matches and other events. I also talk to Barbara about the development of young talents The bett1open in Berlin offers young players the opportunity to compete with the best. For me, too, it was very important at that time to meet the top players at a tournament and to be able to take away many impressions with me. Even though my main focus today is on my foundation "Children for tomorrow," I am still very much connected to tennis."
With this foundation, you have been helping disadvantaged children all over the world since 1998....
Stefanie Graf: "Yes, and this task isvery dear to my heart. It's about giving children traumatized by violence, who are on the dark side of life, opportunities for a bright future. The Sport has given me many opportunities and a very fulfilling life. With the foundation, I can give something back. Tennis is very unifying and teaches people how to deal with challenges.
How do you think the bett1open will develop?
Stefanie Graf: "It is a tournament that offers world-class tennis live in such an exciting metropolis as Berlin with a long tennis tradition. I am sure that the tournament will attract a lot of attention. Spectators and players alike will be thrilled."