Q & A with Stefanie
Have you considered a coming back like Kim Clijsters or Justine Henin?
I think their comebacks are truly amazing. One can see how much fun they are having and how at ease they are when playing. And women’s tennis will be more exciting because of what they have done. Personally, I have never thought about coming back to professional tennis and do not see it any differently today. By now, 11 years have passed since my retirement. I have achieved in tennis more than I ever dared to dream of and like looking back. But I am also very happy with the life after my tennis career and have closed the chapter of being tennis pro in my life. Tennis does not have the same priority for me anymore. I rarely play and if I happen to play, then it is mostly combined with the work for my foundation. Today, my family and parenting are the focus of my life, and with my foundation and many other projects I have found new challenges in life.
When will you play your next exhibition in Germany? Will you play mixed doubles with your husband?
Andre will play several exhibitions this year, at the end of April in Bogotá and Sao Paulo, for instance. There have been a couple of requests for exhibitions, but I have not made any specific decision yet. There are a number of other projects we are sorting through and prioritizing this year. But when we know something for sure, you can definitely read about it here on the site.
I have heard about your photo spread for National Geographic in Eritrea. How did that happen?
Photography has always been a great hobby of mine. As a teenager I even had the wish to become a photo reporter. The magazine National Geographic has often served as my favorite reading on tour and travels. After I have talked about this passion in a Stern-interview, National Geographic offered me to produce my own photo spread with the help of Gerd Ludwig. The photos were taken in a quarter of Asmara in Eritrea, in which my foundation Children for Tomorrow opened a kindergarten. It was a great experience to work together with Gerd Ludwig. During the preparation for the photo production he made helpful suggestions and taught me in photographic technique. The visits and talks with the residents of Abashawl, a poor district in Asmara, were very moving and not always very easy. It was a whole new experience for me standing behind the lens myself. Sometimes I even felt like an intruder, who took photos of the people and the living conditions in the huts of the families. The photo spread in Eritrea was very exciting and educative. I was happy and even a bit proud how authentic the photos came out, especially since I was pretty nervous about my first professional photo project. I hope through my photos I can bring the reality in war-torn Eritrea closer to National Geographic readers and sharpen the consciousness about the many children in need.
How often do you talk about tennis at home?
If we do not happen to be watching a Grand Slam on TV, we only rarely talk about tennis at home. In both of our lives we have a number of other priorities now. Today, our talks evolve more around our children, foundations and other projects.
Do you really have your own Facebook page and do you read the posts?
No, although I heard about a couple of Facebook pages running under my name, none of them is officially mine and I am not responsible for the content. My only authorized internet presence is this one, www.stefaniegraf.de.
When was the last time you stood on the tennis court? How often do you still play tennis?
Myself, I only play tennis very rarely, and in the winter time, weeks can pass without holding a racquet in my hand. From time to time I participate in the Adidas training camp, for which players come to Las Vegas regularly to get prepared for important tournaments by Gil Reyes and Darren Cahill with a fitness program and technical advice. Such was the case this past December, when Andre and I trained with Daniela Hantuchová and Fernando Verdasco, who were in Las Vegas to get in shape for the Australian Open.
Then, at the beginning of February, I was on the court for Head to shoot photos for a new racquet series. We look forward to new raquet developments coming soon.
Do you like going to concerts? If yes, who would you like to see on stage?
Carlos Santana is performing in Las Vegas these days and so we did not miss the opportunity to visit one of his concerts. During his concert series here, he is active with his own Milagro Foundation to serve youth in Las Vegas, but he also supports my husband’s foundation, e.g. by asking for donations for the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education during his concert. A day before going to his show, Santana made a visit to Andre’s school and invited some students to a rehearsal to join him for the first song of his concert. Thus, students of the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy had the opportunity to show their drum skills on stage. So Santana not only proved to be an outstanding musician, but also showed his big heart for children.
Is it possible to sponsor a child through Children for Tomorrow?
Direct sponsorships are not possible through Children for Tomorrow. We concentrate our efforts on therapeutical help and emotional redevelopment. All donations will be directed to benefit children traumatized by violence. This year we will be taking a big step with the construction of several care facilities, like the trauma center in Hamburg and traditional round huts in Uganda, in which therapy lessons with children will take place. With these establishments we can significantly increase the scope and quality of therapeutic care of the children in a familiar and safe environment. You can find information with respect to donations at www.childrenfortomorrow.com. Thank you very much for your support.
What is important in your life and how you describe that??
wish you happy like
her children, her husband, her family, her foundations and other projets are the most important in her life nowdays, what she explains!
I finally know that the facebook page is not yours.
hi steffi graf i’m fidel perez from puerto rico.as you said now you have other priorities in your life which must be respected. but if there’s something that i admit is how much i miss seeing you playing tennis the way you did. i also admit that when you decided to retire from tennis in 1999 i felt very sad cause i thought you could done more than what you did.but as i said before whatever the decision you took must be respected. for me there will only be one tennis player who will be my tennisplayer. steffi graf the great
Hi Steffi M G
how are you? today i am open again your site and i was wish your answer is there but… i know i am the one of those who like you and love your personality with all respect.
Q- what your activties other then Foundation & and why you think or feel that?
take care yourself and your family ofcourse your foundation
SS
why your biography page never updated,it’s stoped at 2002 info.
You got highest German honor,cross of order of merit in 2009,and alot of awards during the time.Please update your bio page too,
thanking you,
Hi Stefanie,
Have you ever read “The Art of the Comeback by Donald Trump” and would you ever like to be a Celebrity contestant on “The Apprentice” ?
It can be easily arranged.
Best Wishes,
Pietro
Thanks Stefanie, for updating us with what’s been happening in your life. Look forward to watching you at Hit for Haiti charity event via tv on 12 March! take care and God bless!
Do update about yourself when u have the time – we always appreciate that
Has Seffi become an American citizen? I saw here listed as a famous German-American. No pressure, but we would love to have you.
Dear Steffi, you have always been such a role model for me. I have a question that I wanted to ask you If you don’t mind me asking,
‘So many players have come and gone, but to have ruled the sport so successfully year after year, how have you been able to manage that? Some players take breaks, have injuries, loose interest, behave inappropriately etc but how have you managed to be on top of all, at all times? How does one develop this almost rare ability?’
I’ll be very glad to read your comments, if you could answer. Many thanks, Shrey
Dear Steffi,
Thank you for all the incredible years of outstanding sportsmanship. You were such a joy to watch and so inspirational. May God continue to bless you and your family with more joy than your hearts can hold!
p.s. If you ever play in vegas and the public is welcome I would love to know when
Blessings!
Deb
Dear Stephanie,
BTW, Did you know that Mr. Trump is a great fan of yours, too?
I heard him talking about you in glowing terms.
Be sure to watch The Apprentice on Sunday Nights so you know how The Apprentice works, should you decide you want to participate next season !
Its great to hear from you Steffi. You are serously missed on the tennis tour and I still consider you the greatest of all.
I am glad that you are enjoying your life post tennis and that your family and husband are your new focus! A true family girl!
Best wishes
Catherine
Dear Steffi,
I grew up watching you. You are my number 1 tennis player EVER!. I only watched the sport because of you. Im still into the sport today and watching you and Boris Becker play made me fall in love with tennis even before I was 10. I’ve never played tennis but play table tennis instead. I just saw you on TV a few minutes ago at the “Hit for Haiti” event. It was the first time I saw you in years!!!! and it brought back so many fond memories of watching you in the past. I just had to find your website so I could send you a note. I just wanted to say I love you and Thanks for your contributions to tennis and the world.
Love and best wishes!
Rohan
Liebe Steffi,
Oft sas ich vor dem Bildschirm und sah Dir stundenlang zu. Ich kannte fast jeden Schlag von Dir auswendig. Du warst meine Traumspielerin seit meiner Kindheit…aber live gesehen hab ich Dich nie.
Heute möchte ich Dich einladen. Wir sind mit 66 Tennisplätzen das grösste Hotel. Wir haben über die ganze Sommersaison Turniere laufen. Es wäre eine grosse Ehre und Freude für uns Dich in unserer Anlage begrüssen zu dürfen.
Ich wünsche Dir und Deiner Familie Gesundheit und Alles Gute.
hi to the best athlete off all time
i followed ur career since us open 94 i was a kid and since i followed tennis till ur retirement
u were my idole best player and best human, very class
i live in lebanon and my dream was to see u one day at roland garros but u retired althougt ur retirment was when u still on the top
ur 99 roland garros win was oustanding and i swear i had the feeling ull do it beating the arrogance of some kids
i wish u all the happiness with ur family ur kids r so lovely
sorry for my english my second language is frensh
i want to add 1 thing that hopefuly justine henin comes after u cs she saved the game and the coincidance u r her idole
Thank you for you exist … besides being a beautiful woman is a benefactor. Oh, and once in a while is one of the best tennis players in the world (rsrs). Jose from Brazil.
Danke.
Dear Steffi,
I am your biggest Fans from Indonesia,,,you are such a lovely personality,anfdgreatest Tennis I’ve ever seen, I have All 22 video Grand slam single tittled that you’ve made,,, always missing u a lot, Steffi, you’ve made Inspiration for my life, how to fight back to win every point in this life, as you did in Tennis.
I was remember, At wimbledon 95, when you won your 6th wimbledon tittle, I was writing a letter for you, but it not deliver to your adress, I hope you read this now, and reply me,,,,:)
God Bless You and Your family Stefanie.
Thanks ,
Franky from Ambon, Moluccas-Indonesia
Hi Stephanie,
It was great to see you playing at the Indian Wells Hit for Haiti Charity Tournament. I hope it raised a lot of money for Haiti.
Some of my friends from Utah were there ! He’s the founder and head of USANA Health Sciences, Dr. Myron Wentz, and his son CEO Dave Wentz,which offers nutritional supplements and other health products to the WTA tennis star women, and also to about 100 Olympic athletes who participated in the Vancouver Olympics this winter ! The USANA Health Sciences logo will be visible at center court for the first time in Miami this week !
You’re a great tennis player ! Did you ever think of trying out for Dancing with the Stars? A new season starts tonight with new celebrities. You should watch in case you and Andre would like to participate. It can be easily arranged.
And I heard that Sophia Loren was in Hamburg recently to christen a new cruise ship built in Hamburger Hafen ! The cruise ship will be based out of Venice. They call Hamburg the Venice of the North!
One of my relatives from Hamburg was the ship’s doctor for several years on the sailing ship Gorch Fock, also built in Hamburger Hafen in 1958. I saw the Gorch Fock a few times when it came to New York as part of the July 4 celebrations.
I’ve taken the great tour of Hamburger Hafen a few times, too,
Hamburg is a wonderful and cosmopolitan city and I hope its environment will also play some role in helping the young victims treated at your trauma center to recover. The Binnenalster and Alster and its parks add much natural beauty and relaxation to visitors and native alike. The settings in Uganda are wonderful for the children’s recovery as well. But of course the majority of the healing and recovery will come from the therapy conducted by the therapists and clinicians at Children for Tomorrow.
I wish you and your great humanitarian project and the children happiness and much success !
stephi amma,when is ur next post
Dear Mrs. Graf
I want to thank you for your achievement in the elegant tennis game.
I have one of Roland Garros’s stamps which has a fhoto of you with the champion ship cup I would like to sell it so I f you ave intevested please contact me soon.
Best regards.
My email: naahl@hotmail.com
Steffi, I worked in Eritrea for a number of years before being deported. We did a lot of work on Female Circumcision there, including a pretty horrific DVD/video. Almost all the women you met would have been circumcised. Many girls are circumcised at the age of 1 month while others in the western lowlands are radically circumcised at the age of 7-8 years. If you have any interest I could probably get a DVD to you. Keep up the good work. KJ
Hi Stephanie !!
The New York City casting call for the next “The Apprentice” is this Thurday, April 1 at the Trump Tower in New York City !!
And that’s no April Fool’s Day Joke !!
For all the information you need, go to NBC.com/casting !!
Maybe you and Andre could apply as contestants together !!
Hey Stephanie !!
I just noticed !!
There are casting calls for The Apprentice on April 1st right in LAS VEGAS TOO !!
At the TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS !!
2000 Fashion Show Drive, Salon A !!
You dont even need to leave home !!
You and Andre would make great contestants !!
Go to NBC.com/casting to check it out !!
Watching Stefi play aganist Hingis in the last grand slam win of her career motivated many sportsmen and women allover the world.Its was a clear manifestatoion of what positive attitude can achieve.She was one of the worlds greats i agree.
Hi Steffi,
My names is Aariya, I am from Mumbai, India. I am a big fan of yours. We are doing a project in school and I chose you as my subject.
I need to fill in two blanks and want to know if you could help?
1. what inspired you to take up tennis?
2. what did you study and where?
thanks and warm regards,
Aariya
(age 9, grade 4)
Stephanie,
I just finished Andre’s book and was shocked to see you spent time in Eritrea. I am on the board of directors for the Utah Eritrea Connection (utaheritrea.org). My good friend is Eritrean from the town of Himbirity (near Asmara). We wanted to go back there soon but the government has not been good lately, I was even told that travel and photography would be restricted. I would love to know more about your work there. If you are ever in Utah look us up.
Brian briannabors@gmail.com
Dear Steffi,
I am from the Philippines. I was able to understand and love tennis because of you.I made noticed of you when you bagged the Golen Slam peat in 1988. Since then, I had been watching every Grand Slam event where you were playing. I was happy when you were winning and frustrated yet hopeful when you were not winning. When you retired from tennis, I found no interest in tennis anymore. For me you are the best… who could forget the inside out forehand and the ever reliable backhand slice. I know you can do best in everything that you do because you were born a champion… God bless, steffi… GO STEFFI!!!!!
HI STEFFI FROM AUSTRALIA!
So glad your site has been updated – it’s awesome. You know, like so many people, you have been my idol since I was 14 years old i’m now 35). You are the reason I started playing tennis first match I saw you play was 1989 French – so BUMMED OUT when you lost that one hahaha). Also when I was a kid I used to have a recurring dream that I met you . Now if I was famous that’s exactly the kind of admission from a fan that would freak me out
Unfortunately I only saw you play one match live – 1999 Australian Open first round – I was WAY up in the back. So glad to have seen it though.
Andre’s book was great – I liked him but only read it to hear about you!
Last thing – I met Martina two years ago at a dance party of all places here in Melbourne. Just two days before I had been watching a DVD of you THRASHING her at the 1988 Wimbledon Final. She was pretty funny to chat too, and had a great sense of humour, especialy when I told her the only reason I was speaking to her was to ask her questions about Steffi Graf.
So THANKS for being an awesome inspiration and maybe one day if you’re in Australia my childhood dream of meeting MRS AGASSI will come true ????
I just read Andres book which was wonderful reading. What a great thing to take experiences in life and learn from them. I think you are a cute couple and love how you are raising your children. Thank you for all the things you do to make the world a better place for children. I am disappointed with the uber rich who buy islands, escape taxes and never give to charities. They must miss out on life and the true meaning of it. My husband and I have three grown children who were natural athletes and I always regreted not pushing them to excel, but aafter reading Andres book, I think I did the right thing and let them choose. I must say though, that you both entertained millions of people and made them happy to see such fine art in tennis. I am giving my 25 year old son Open for his birthday in August! Love to you both, Mara
Между нами говоря, попробуйте поискать ответ на Ваш вопрос в google.com…
….
Dear Steffi,
You have been my favouriye tennis star in your whole sport life.Im still using “have been” because you are such a great unique tennis player that your place still couldn’t be filled by anybody.I know that there are a lot of talented platers around BUT u were TOTALLY different by all way.How I imagined to watch you alive but till my dream comes true u have already retired.This is my bad destiny.I cant do anything for this.Since your era tennis has realy changed.I dont know you agree or not but I dont feel the same excitment while watching tennis like before.Do you think the same?And what do you think about the new talents?I aprreciate even u dont answer this.
Best wishes…..
YOU ARE MY VERY VERY VERY FAVORITE TENNIS STAR
ADNAN
How can I get your autograph?
Dear Rameshwari,
if you would like an autograph, please send a self addressed and stamped envelope to the following address:
Stefanie Graf Marketing
Gartenstrasse 1
69723 Schwetzingen
Best Regards,
Stefanie
i dont know what should ask but the thing is iam great fan of steffi and i want to tell steffi is you are the legend of tenis forever and no one replace u
Dear Steffi,
Your brilliant tennis career and current humanitarian work are soooooooooooo inspiring !
Have you heard of the Inspiring Women’s Summit May 1 to May ?
You definitely ought to be there !
You can also listen to it at http://www.inspiringwomensummit.com !!!
Enjoy !!
mrs. steffi
heya…..’em meenal….an indian girl….fortunately fall in love with tennis…
i just wanted to know….the proper diet chart….for me…’em of 16years….n i play at national level….’em so thin n weak….’cause of my diet…i just want a proper diet chart…..can you please help me in it…
with pleasure….
meenal….
please reply….i’ll be waiting…
Hey Steffi!
ich hab heute die Autobiographie von deinem Mann fertig gelesen. Ich finde das Buch klasse!! Auch wenn ich von Tennis absolut keine Ahnung habe, ist mir das Buch sehr nah gegangen. ich hab früher selbst leistungssport betrieben (Mittelstrecke), und weiß wie nah verlieren und gewinnen beieinander stehn. Ich hab bei jeder Seite mitgefiebert. Also ich hab keine Fanseite von deinem Mann gefunden, vielleicht kannst dus ihm einfach Ausrichten, ein fettes Compliment an seine Ehrlichkeit, und sein Durchhaltevermögen, es ist klasse wie er den kampf über sich selbst gewonnen hat!
Wish you all the best!
ciao ciao Isabel
Hi Steffi, for me you are the best female player tennis was born. i see you in wimbledon and wow you are amazing. I m from Venezuela and i hope make a interview because i m a sports comunicator in my country. Best regards for you and your family
Hi Steffi,
I began to watch Lawn Tennis because of you.Over the years, I have not only admired you as a champion but also a very sensitive, balanced person.I always have felt that if someone could be my ideal personality, it would be you!Somewhere, somehow, I think I share a lot of similarities with you.I have stopped watching Tennis since you retired,…even today, although you are not there on the tennis grounds,….You are still my Number One…and will be always inspiring me!
Hi Steffi
my kid is 9 yrs old and recently been introduced to tennis. i wish him to be a great tennis player as u hav been. Please suggest me how to go abt that. which things should i take care of him?
take care
hi amrita
like u iam also a great fan of steffi. u can contact me at iamkumararun@hotmail.com
Hi,
One of my greatest wish in life is to meet this Great Lady!
Hello Steffi,
I just knew from website, Aaassi will go to Taiwan to have a show game with Safin next January, will you be together with him? You have a lot fans in Taiwan, we are very exciting to see you, please consider it. Thanks!
hi steffi!
how are you?
we want to asc you something.
we are making a school project about you! do you have the time to give us some information about you, please? We would be soo thankfull.
We live in the netherlands. We have to do our project about german people, like you. So we have chosen you because you are our favourit tenniser. We hope we will hear something of you!
xxx Angelique and Manon from the netherlands.
hallo Steffi!
Wie geht es Ihnen?
Wir möchten Sie etwas fragen.
Wir machen ein Schulprojekt über Sie! Haben Sie die Zeit, uns einige Informationen über Sie, bitte? Wir waeren so dankbar.
Wir leben in den Niederlanden. Wir brauchen die Informationen ueber Sie. Wir hoffen, dass wir etwas von Ihnen hören!
Liebe Gruesse
Manon, Angelique en Ruby ann
Hi amrita
iam glad to know tht yor and mine ambition is same. may GOD fulfill our wish.
Take care
Many happy returns of the day Steffi!! long live Steffi and may ur life be filled with ONLY happiness.
Hi Steffi
Many many happy returns of the day!
Have a blast
Bye!
Rameshwari
Dear Steffi,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY & MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY ! It is amazing you can speak with such detachment about tennis,after all your monumental achievements.Your countless admirers respect your decision that pro tennis is a closed chapter of your life,but what a glorious chapter it has been ! You took women\’s tennis to unprecedented heights of excellence and set a shining example of impeccably dignified behaviour on & off court. They simply don\’t make them like Stefanie anymore ! There has never been such a lady in the women\’s tour ! Here’s wishing the best for your family and your foundations. Sincerely,
VENKATESAN,Chennai,INDIA
June 14,2010
Hi Steffi,
ich wünsche dir alle liebe zum Geburtstag. Ich hoffe du hattest einen schönen Tag. Ich weiß Tennis war für dich etwas Nützliches, aber nicht das Wichtigste auf der Welt. Trotzdem war es immer toll dir, dabei zu zuschauen. Ich denke in deinem Leben danach, geht es dir viel besser.
Mach weiter so.
Alles Liebe,
Tini
hallo Steffi how are you?HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HAVE A NICE DAY WITH ALL YOUR DEAR with affection marianna cassano from italy kisses ciao
Hello Steffi !
Wish you a belated Happy Birthday !
Sorry for the late wishes …..
Best wishes to you and your family…
Rucha Lele
Hallo Steffi!
Ich stand heute, ohne es zu wissen, gleichzeitig mit Dir in unserer Apotheke auf dem Rohrhof. Es war schön, Deine positive Ausstrahlung “live” zu erleben. Vorallem, als Dich die pausierenden Handwerker vor der Bäckerei gefragt haben, ob Du die Steffi bist.
Deine Homepage spiegelt genau diese Herzlichkeit und Bodenständigkeit wieder. Ich glaube, ich bin jetzt ein Fan von Dir…ich bin sonst eigentlich nur ein Fan meiner Familie!
Jedenfalls sende ich Dir und Deiner Familie unbekannter Weise ganz liebe Grüße aus der Heimat Brühl. Ganz genau vom ehem. Tennisplatz Nr. 6 (jetzt Traumannwaldsiedlung oberhalb des Sportplatzes), auf dem seit 2007 unser Häuschen steht.
I wish you all the best,
Marion
Hi, Steffi: Even thought this is your website, I am not sure if this message will reach you. What a fantastic career you have had in tennis, and the wonderful work you are doing for children after retirement. Your success could be in any field because of your personality and determination, but it happened to be in tennis. I am sure that it is scary to look back and realize how high the mountain you have climbed. You didn’t notice it while you were climbing it. So much ups and downs in that path. After putting the time distance since the retirement to that monumental career behind and being more mature with age, did you think about revisit it and have an emotional journey for a book? To offer your experiences to the kids, teens growing up with their daily struggle of finding their identity and path. How the winning didn’t get into your head and you continued to close it out during the match. How the losing didn’t discourage you, and you didn’t give up until the last stroke, and many times you ended up winning. The times you actually lost, how you processed them and moved on with your career till the end. It is easy being a winner in life. But to be graceful, and not giving up after losing in school, job, or even health, there is lesson to be learn. If we have the honor of having you sharing those intimate moments with us. Sincerely, Russell
Querida steffi, soy un fan mexicano realmente te extrañamos, por que no realizas una pelicula de tu vida o un video donde podamos apreciar tus mayores logros, necesitamos ver tus grandes hazañas, por favor eres una persona que se extraña gracias por darle al tenis y al mundo tu vida y mejor esfuerzo, era una gran delicia verte jugar cada partido, nunca te olvidaremos. sinceramente desde mexico…….oscar
Hi, steffi ~
Will you come to Taiwan together with Andre Agassi next year ?
Hope to see you then！
Buddha bless your family.