Interview done by Steffi while she was in Paris (published as a series):
http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/graf-interview-olympic-gold-more-special-than-grand-slams/
http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/graf-andre-and-i-are-amazed-at-the-level-of-mens-tennis/
http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/steffi-graf-sharapova-is-a-complete-tennis-player/
This one on the official RG website:
http://2012.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/articles/2012-06-09/201206091339262080603.html
And yes, Steffi is as fit as ever. An upcoming Australian teen was the lucky winner who got to hit with Steffi Graf, some one who was born after Steffi retired and never watched her play, but when she grows up, for sure will realize how lucky she was.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/steffi-graf-proves-she-hasnt-lost-her-skills-in-exhibition-match-in-paris/story-e6frfgao-1226390366110
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/steffi-graf-sings-aussie-12-year-old-destanee-aiavas-praises/story-e6frfgao-1226390463233
Two of Steffi's matches made it to the top 5 French finals list, she lost in one and had a memorable win in the other but both were scintillating matches going into 3 sets, something that is missing in the current day tennis. The last time a FO final went to 3 sets was in 2001.
http://www.tennis.com/articles/templates/features.aspx?articleid=18123&zoneid=9
Steffi ranked as top 9 in the ESPN top 40 female atheletes in the last 40 yrs, just above Serena who was ranked at 10. If it were up to me, she would be the top female athelete but hey, I do not work at ESPN. And this was done by American media, know the list would be different if done in Europe or Asia or Australia.
http://espn.go.com/espnw/title-ix/top-40-female-athletes/_/num/32
Steffi with Miss France for CFT Gala and Steffi also received Longiness award for elegance this year.
http://www.gala.fr/l_actu/on_ne_parle_que_de_ca/gala_by_night_steffi_graf_et_miss_france_brillent_chez_longines_266926
And this was the one, I liked the most of all the interviews, as this response moved me the most:
"Two years ago, Andre published his autobiography "Open". How did you feel that your love story will be revealed to the world?
- (She laughs.) I watched all these years. (She searches for words.) I saw him get involved, to delve into his writings, I have followed the development of his book. It was a very intense period for him. I did not contribute much. I felt that this was a project which he thought deeply. And I am proud of what he did. As he says in his title, there is an openness that I admire in him. I reinforced his need to convey and say things. I was OK with that. Even if it was not easy for me. (Her voice begins to shake.) I do not feel necessarily comfortable with that. But the way he wrote certain passages in our history ... You know ... I tell myself I'm the luckiest girl on earth."
http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/0c21cb84-b1a7-11e1-a67a-d0cf93cfcd4b/Jadmire_louverture_desprit_dAndr%C3%A9
A video link to parts of the above interview:
http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/0b210524-b1a7-11e1-a67a-d0cf93cfcd4b/Je_suis_la_fille_la_plus_chanceuse_de_la_terre
And finally, TAIWANING.
Lots of images and youtube videos have been uploaded from Steffi's recent Taiwan trip, a few of them listed below:
Nice to see her still running for every ball even at her age (watch the first point in the video), her atheleticism on court is what is missed the most.
And what a timing of Graf's visit to Taiwan....
A lot has been made up by the media about Agassi's auction of Steffi's photo last year and refreshing to watch steffi's light hearted response when asked about the same.
And last but not the least, a happy B'day to Fraulein Forehand.
