2012 Musings - 6

As usual a busy month for Steffi. She was in Hamburg for CFT meeting, then this Tuesday, Agassi and Graf are co-hosting a 'MOVE campaign program during Michelle Obama's Vegas visit, then off to Kentucky Derby and later on to Taiwan.
http://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/article2259932/Steffi-Graf-bei-Blitzbesuch-im-Uni-Klinikum-Eppendorf.html

On the eve of 25th anniversary of Steffi Graf's first GS title at the FO, a german channel is featuring a 100 min documentary on her life. Just based on description looks like a great program. Hopefully, this does not get restricted to Germany alone.
http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nach...che-23-007.htm  

Steffis' girls???
http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/steffis-girls-germanys-gang-of-five/

Steffi, Stuart and Andre.

http://raspberryprairie.com/blog/2012/3/22/steffi-stuart-andre.html
http://blog.clubindustry.com/fitnessbusinessproblog/2012/03/28/my-interview-with-andre/

Steffi and Andre were at Marlins game last month
http://twitter.com/#!/LM27Z/status/187726460734279680/photo/1
http://twitter.com/#!/rauldemolina/status/187714120055930881/photo/1

Steffi and Andre in Miami for annual spring vacation.
http://www.super.cz/10557-nejslavnejsi-tenisovy-par-sveta-andre-agassi-a-steffi-graf-si-uzivali-rodinnou-idylku-na-plazi.html

Now, that is trait of a champion:
"When tennis star Steffi Graf was questioned on why she stayed number one for so long, she would remark that she trained like she was number two.".
http://www.brw.com.au/p/sections/fyi/anthony_bell_build_versus_buy_Y7Kg1UNCbFmyoOV7aJHATP

2012 Musings - 5

Vika, the shreika is on a 23-0 (and still counting) winning streak and so everybody is suddenly interested in the longest winning streaks at the beginning of the year and like everything else, guess whose is on the top of the list, Steffi Graf with a 45-0 winning streak from the beginning of the year in 1987 and I am sure there are many more winning streaks like that prior to the open era as well. It's a shame when reputed sources like AP and SI do not check before publishing details like this and this gets passed on in every article as if it is the fact. Neither Steffi's streak from 87 or Navratilova's streak have been included in this top 10 list. Just shows how little the current generation of so call sports journalists know about the past, the sport about which they right every day but never bother to look back at the records before writing something. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1203/tennis.womens.longest.win.streaks/content.1.html?sct=tn_bf2_a3
Also, everyone keeps talking how dominant Serena Williams and Monica Seles (pre-stabbing) were and about their mental toughness but how about Steffi Graf who won consistently every year on every surface out there. Impressive is a very small word to use.
Here are the winning streaks for the beginning of the year that are more than 20 in her playing career:
1987 45-0
1989 31-0
1990 25-0
1994 32-0
1995 32-0
and to add, none of those are considered the best year of her career as she won the 'Golden Slam' in 88.
For all the talk about Monica Seles being dominant in 90-93 period and beating players left and right, Monica Seles had 19 straight wins in 92 and Serena Williams 23-0 in 2003.
Well, I don't need to say anything else, the numbers speak for themselves.

Need anymore data about who is the best. Well, here is some more.
- The only two players to win the Indian wells/Miami double twice is none other than Steffi Graf and Roger Federer (great FH, single handed BH and on court atheleticism making tennis look like an art rather than a game). Federer has a chance to do it again this year but would be a tough ask but you can never say never with great champions.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1081479-tennis-march-madness-nine-who-won-indian-wells-and-miami-back-to-back#/articles/1081479-tennis-march-madness-nine-who-won-indian-wells-and-miami-back-to-back/page/11

Couldn't agree more with Bruce Jenkins but forget about upcoming German players, wonder if any player from any other country would be able to replicate what Steffi did.

"First Sabine Lisicki, then Andrea Petkovic, then Julia Goerges and Angelique Kerber, all of them now in the top 20, and Mona Barthels (who nearly upset Azarenka) on the rise. These are scintillating times for German women's tennis, in the great tradition of Steffi Graf, but step back for a moment to realize what these contemporary stars are up against in terms of a long-lasting impact on the sport.

So far, although they all show great promise, none of them has won a major. Graf won 22, going back-to-back (at least) at all four majors and winning the French-Wimbledon double four times, not to mention her Golden Slam (all four majors plus the Olympic singles title) in 1988. A formidable standard, indeed."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120313/anti-shot-clock/#ixzz1prHi2YPH

And, what a great opportunity for the Adidas players to get to hit with Steffi, she has a lot to offer to the younger generation, both on and off court.
http://ow.ly/i/usEM
http://ow.ly/i/usEW
http://ow.ly/i/u9he
http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2012/03/04/news-and-notes-march-3-2012/

A short video of Steffi hitting with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova during the adidas camp.

Steffi and Andre at the recent boot camp for top atheletes in Arizona.
http://elizabethvincentphotography.com/blog/?p=5936

Steffi and Andre being awarded a 'Boxing' belt at the same event and something tells me that Mike Agassi would be approve of this.

http://wbcboxing.com/wbcVersEng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1803&Itemid=80

2012 Musings - 4

Well, even Vika (the shreika is on a winning streka so far this year, 17-0) is aiming for the golden slam just like Novak. Let's see who can actually do it. Good to finally see a constant winner at the top and doesn't hurt to have Steffi Graf as her idol. As much as I dislike the shreiking, must give a thumps up for playing like a No:1 and aiming for something high.

Love the Steffi Graf reference in the above context in this article.
http://blogs.tennis.com/tennisworld/2012/02/the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-victoria-azarenkas-life-turned-out-to-be-a-beauty-i-say-that-because-when-you-win-a-major-titl.html

Interview with Steffi Graf by Longiness. Steffi was on the few players who always wore a watch but never heard of the 'Mickey Mouse' watch before.
http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/2012/2/16/in-conversation-with-stefanie-graf-tennis-legend-philanthrop.html

Andre and Steffi at Muhammed Ali's 70th celebrations in Vegas. As always, looks great in black.
http://www.gettyimages.it/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=it&family=editorial&p=steffi+graf&assetType=image&clarification=steffi+graf%3a204579#

And guess, who Steffi gets to meet at the gala: Anthony Hopkins (remember 'Shadowlands" and CS Lewis).
http://www.whosay.com/steffigraf/photos/133328?code=gjB1rVA

Love the caption for the photo - Steffi Graf: The best a man can get (click on the photo if unable to see the caption).
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/valentines-day-special-the-best-and-worst-683994

And this funny one as well.
http://tennis.si.com/2012/02/14/my-funny-tennis-valentine/?tw_p=twt

Great visuals for this Whitney Houston's performance at the 1997 opening of Arthur Ashe (Gaby, Seles and Steffi standing side by side). How I miss seeing Steffi on court.
http://www.tennis.com/articles/templates/thespin.aspx?articleid=16498&zoneid=32

And last but not the least, a great program on Andre's school on Australian Channel 7 and nice visuals of Steffi some of which I have seen for the first time. Love the part where he says that Steffi just cries whenever she is at the school. A must watch.

2012 Musings - 3

This is the year of the Olympics and like it happens every 4 years, everyone is talking about the possibility of a golden slam this year, like the way Steffi Graf did in 88 (and let me say that only Steffi Graf did it so far) and even Djokovic has openly expressed his intentions of aiming for the golden slam, a feat that would be unimaginable (if you are Peter Bodo, would say 'imagining the unimaginable') but would be a great sporting achievement if it can be repeated this year. As a tennis fan, would be great for the sport if that happens but as a Steffi Graf fan, I still want it to be an unimaginable achievement that only the great Steffi Graf can make it imaginable. Regardless of my personal opinions, here is all the best to Djokovic for his tough task ahead as no task is impossible, even the unimaginable ones.

On that note, thought it is time to revisit this old article from SI vault written just before the US open in 1988, remebering all the past champions that have won a career slam (only 2 men and 3 women have achieved the calendar year GS, the last one being in 88 by Steffi Graf). I was particulary struck by this comment by Mr.Brinker, husband of Maureen Conolly, the youngest of the career GS champions (she was 3 months younger than Graf when she did it in 1953):

Four years ago, when Navratilova beat Sukova 6-1 in the first set of the semifinals of the Australian Open, which was the last leg of the Slam that year, Court, who had been watching on TV at home in Perth, turned off the set and went shopping. She was satisfied that Martina would soon join her as the only living female Slammer. But by the time Court returned, Sukova had won the last two sets 6-3, 7-5.

This July, at home in Dallas, Brinker flipped on the Wimbledon women's final. Graf fell behind a set and 2-0, but he didn't turn off the set. He watched as she won the third leg of the Slam. "It's funny." Brinker says. "You know, I never really saw Maureen play, but just watching Steffi for a few minutes, just a few minutes, and you know what I said to myself? I said, There is Maureen."

Graf was born June 14, 1969, the Saturday before Little Mo died. Evidently, the torch is to be passed.

For once have to grudgingly acknowledge the writing of Frank Deford....
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1067682/3/index.htm

Steffi Graf is among the best Advertising German celebrities, not a suprise as her name brings a lot of credibility to a product. http://www.wuv.de/nachrichten/unternehmen/jauch_adorf_graf_die_besten_deutschen_werbe_promis

If any doubt, look at the Nintendo sales in Germany since Steffi started endorsing their product.
http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=170825

Fans from the Indian sub-continent, look for the Andre Agassi - Steffi Graf interview on CNN-IBN show, Dimensions, dates of which have yet to be announced and if possible, share with the rest of us.
http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2871835.ece

Did you know that the person who officiated Agassi-Graf's wedding in their backyard is currently Nevada Supreme Court's Justice!!!!
http://www.lvrj.com/news/luxor-host-to-talk-at-trainer-s-funeral-138917094.html?ref=094

What's in a name?? Musings of a girl named after Steffi.
http://steffimarie.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/whats-in-a-name/

2012 Musings - 2

Well, Steffi was in NYC to open a 'Longiness' showroom. Details about the event and pictures can be found here. And as usual, Steffi looks great.
hthttp://www.marketwatch.com/story/longines-opens-shop-in-new-york-city-2012-01-25tp://www.multivu.com/mnr/54231-longines-tourneau-stefanie-graf-nyc

Granted it is not on the cover of SI but when fans vote, there is not much the media can say or do. And the result says it all.
http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2012-01-24/201201241327373295547.html

Andre and Steffi to attend Muhammad Ali's 70th B'day celebrations in Vegas.
http://madduxpress.com/index.php/2012/01/23/bill-edwards-presents-muhammad-alis-70th-birthday-celebration-brought-to-you-by-the-city-of-las-vegas-39962/

Have yet to see a top tennis player walk away from his/her last GS match as "It is her day!!".  Nice article about accepting defeat gracefully.
http://newsletter.ultimatetennis.com/?p=1252

And Jan 23rd 1988, Steffi won the first leg of her 'Golden Slam', an achievement which has yet to be replicated by any male or female.
http://www.sportsvideodaily.com/wp/index.php/2012/01/23/jan-23-1988-steffi-graf-wins-the-first-leg-of-her-golden-slam/

2012 Musings-1

Already half way into the month of January and still seems like just yesterday it was new years day. Australian Open is underway and hopeful to see some great tennis although will miss Steffi in action and that is something that is never going to change for the Grafanatics.

A great write up on Steffi's BH Slice (in Italian)
http://www.ubitennis.com/sport/tennis/2012/01/05/637343-rovescio.shtml

Ballet being compared to tennis and obviously who else but Steffi has to be mentioned:
"Steffi Graf moves so beautifully, with such grace, you can freeze the TV frame and see that each position is gorgeous"........ perfect!!!
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-01-12/entertainment/ct-ae-0115-trockadero-20120112_1_tory-dobrin-paul-ghiselin-ida-nevasayneva

Addidas new collection with Steffi to be released this year.
http://www.unitednetworker.com/2012/01/12/exklusive-adidas-kollektion-mit-stefanie-graf/

In this internet age, learn something new everytime.
http://twitter.com/#!/TennisReporters/status/153888056947126272

A great piece on Kim Clijsters and her relationship with her father
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/09/kim-clijsters-australian-open

And another German female tennis player on the horizon of making it big and yes, she is a Graf fan and she did qualify for the AO for the first time.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/barthel-upsets-seeds-to-reach-final-20120113-1pzbq.html

Year end Musings - 16

Another year rolling by and as usual, marvelling as how time flies by.
Year 2011 started off with Bryan Graham's tweet about Andre's auction in Taiwan, which almost every media outlet and blogosphere enthusiastically spread the news without even bothering to find out what really occured to ending with ridiculous statements by Khode Klisch. And just like her tennis career, none of these had any effect on her life. Just like she played on the tennis court as if there is no tomorrow, she is enjoying her personal life as mother and wife in the same way. Wishing another great year for the Agassi-Graf family.
           A reason to look forward to 2012 is that the year gives an opportunity for someone to level Steffi Graf's 1988 achievement of 'Golden Slam'. Makes you realize how Steffi made it look easy as can't see anyone doing that even with some great players in the current generation but as with everything, can never say never, so eagerly waiting for the next Steffi Graf so that my kids can have the same experience growing up as I had in my life following Steffi's career.

Sam Stosur on her idol Steffi Graf:
Have you ever met Steffi?
I have - once. I was more nervous meeting her than I was before most matches I have played. It was in Paris in 2009. She was nice, laid-back, easygoing and unassuming. A pleasure to meet. I had her on a pedestal my whole life and when you see how down to earth she is, it becomes a great experience in your life to meet her.
How do you think you would go against her?
I think even now she would give most of us a run for our money. All the people who I know have played and practised with her just say she was one of a kind. The way she moved her feet. Her intensity. I don't know I would want to practise with her, to be honest. She might be too good for me!
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/xyx-tennis/from-shy-girl-to-superstar-sam-stosur-takes-it-in-her-stride/story-e6frfgao-1226233977240

"Stop thinking, start feeling" was the famous advice from Steffi to Andre but how to amateur tennis players do that!! May be some 'technology' assistance is needed to 'feel' right while hitting the ball.
http://blogs.tennis.com/the_pro_shop/2011/12/playing-by-feel-experiences-with-the-racquet-bracket-.html

Reading this old article and not surprised that even a phtographer's lens loves to capture Steffi. Some great pictures from the Wimbledon roof ceremony. Just click on the 'webgallery' in the article.
http://tennisworld.typepad.com/tennisworld/2009/05/your-call-523.html

An interview from 09 around Steffi's 40th B'day. Steffi saying she was uncomfortable looking at Novotna after her famous 93 wimbledon win.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-1192647/EXCLUSIVE-Steffi-Graf-40--striving-perfection.html

And finally for me, the highlight of tennis this year (apart from Novak's great year and Kvitova's emergence) is Andre's speech at the tennis HOF.  Good to see that I am not the only one who was moved to tears by the speech.
http://glutenfreebowlofsoul.blogspot.com/2011/12/grace-gratitude-happy-new-year.html

Happy New Year and hope I can keep blogging away in 2012 as I did in 2011.