Stefanie (“Steffi”) Graf (48) is next to Serena Williams the most successful tennis player of the modern era. The exceptional German player won 22 Grand Slam titles, the last one in 1999 at the French Open. On the weekend, Graf returned to Paris as ambassador of the international youth tournament “Longines Future Tennis Aces” – together with his husband Andre Agassi.
Mrs. Graf, back in Paris, at the tournament time of the French Open. How do you remember your last dramatic Roland Garros victory against Martina Hingis in 1999?
It was an incredible moment, a crazy victory. Because I didn’t expect it, and because I was already way behind in this final. This title has been one of the most beautiful in my career, it remains unforgettable.
They also won their first Grand Slam Cup in Paris at the age of 17 against the great Martina Navratilova.
Yes, Paris was in a way the beginning and the end of the Grand Slam successes. To win this title against Martina was very special and exciting. At 17, you can’t even tell what that really means – winning one of these major tournaments. It was only later that I realized what I had achieved.
Paris is considered the most difficult of all Grand Slam tournaments. They have won six times, ultimately with the support of the not always easy audience.
In this last victory, the Parisians actually carried me to victory, the atmosphere was indescribable. The tournament is a big strain, you have to go a really hard way mentally and physically.
Today, however, players have completely different opportunities to perform at their best. Many are on the road with the entire coaching staff.
Tennis has once again become very professional in the last ten years. The players are even better trained, they are well trained and often have several coaches. In addition, the modern club material supports this clearly more athletic game.
Has it become harder today to develop a career in tennis, to aim for a place at the top of the world?
The level has already become very, very high. And there are just more really good kids who want to go that way. When you see how physically trained 12-year-olds are today, what athletics they play with, you can see how hard it is to get to the top.
Serena Williams, who became a mother last year, is making a comeback. What do you think she can do in general?
Serena has shown great things in the last few years. She has the ambition and the will to achieve the extraordinary even now. Of course, a lot depends on whether she remains injury-free and does not have to accept further setbacks.
Angelique Kerber, the former world number one and two-time Grand Slam winner, seems to have put an end to last year’s crisis.
It really looks like it. She has regained faith in herself, playing with self-confidence and certainty. Their willpower and passion impresses me.
In recent years there has been talk, not only because of Kerber, of a second German “Fräuleinwunder”.
I was of course very pleased to see that. For years there were these great successes of the girls, the Grand Slam titles of Angie, tournament victories of the other players. We have to thank Barbara Rittner in particular for her development work.
How much more do you get from big tennis?
I’ve been informed, but I’m not in front of the TV every day to watch matches.
And how much more tennis do you play yourself?
This has become very rare. I think I’ve played enough tennis in my life. When I play, I usually play with Andre for his foundation.