Steffi Graf 1988
Photo:
A1981 Werner Baum/ dpa
Tennis legend Steffi Graf is the new patron of the WTA tournament in Berlin.
This was announced by the organizers of the lawn tournament.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner follows former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Graf won her first tournament on German soil in Berlin in 1986, and the stadium has borne her name since 2004.
"Berlin has played a special role in my career from the start," said the 52-year-old about her patronage.
"Berlin and Steffi Graf, that's a success story in its own right," said tournament director Barbara Rittner: "It is a special appreciation for the tournament that she is now taking over the patronage".
Everyone knows how withdrawn she lives and how rare she makes herself.
This year, from June 11, superstar Naomi Osaka from Japan and German Andrea Petkovic will be in the capital.
Graf, who lives in the US, is also apparently considering attending the tournament.
'I can't promise anything.
It's not just an hour's journey.
She'll try everything to come,' said Rittner.
bka/sid/dpa