Berlin – Steffi Graf is to be the new patron of the tennis tournament in Berlin and is apparently considering a visit to the event.
The sports icon will succeed former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the organisers of the women’s grass-court event from 13 to 19 June announced. “There is no higher esteem. Everyone knows how reclusive she lives and how scarce she makes herself,” tournament director Barbara Rittner said. She said it was not easy to get Graf to take on the role. “We are connected by a friendship. Berlin was always a special place in her heart.”
It is not yet certain whether Graf, who lives in the USA and whose birthday is on 14 June, will travel to Germany for the tournament. “I can’t promise anything. She just doesn’t have just one hour to travel. She will try everything to come,” Rittner said.
Graf is a record winner in Berlin. She has won the tournament, which used to be played on clay courts, nine times. The stadium at the LTTC Rot-Weiß Berlin facility is named after the now 52-year-old wife of former tennis star Andre Agassi. “My dream image: her face in the Steffi Graf stadium,” said Rittner.
In addition to the Japanese top player Naomi Osaka, Andrea Petkovic from Darmstadt has now also been confirmed as a participant in this year’s edition. The organisers are also in talks with three-time Grand Slam tournament winner Angelique Kerber and Australian world number one Ashleigh Barty. The tournament serves as preparation for Wimbledon.
