You always talking about Steffi Graf, it’s not my mistake she’s not here” – When Martina Hingis was incensed by media focus on German icon’s absence

Headline: Martina Hingis Expresses Frustration Over Media’s Focus on Steffi Graf’s Absence

In a candid and memorable interaction with the media, tennis star Martina Hingis once voiced her exasperation over the constant references to Steffi Graf, the German tennis icon, in post-match discussions. The incident, which highlights the intense scrutiny and comparisons faced by top athletes, occurred during a period when Graf was stepping back from the sport, leaving a void eagerly scrutinized by journalists and fans alike.

Martina Hingis, known for her skillful play and competitive spirit, was at the pinnacle of her career in the late 1990s. During this time, she was often seen as the successor to Steffi Graf, who had dominated women’s tennis throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Graf, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, had set a high benchmark for excellence, and her absence from the court was a frequent topic of conversation.

The incident in question took place during a press conference where Hingis, despite her own remarkable achievements, found herself repeatedly confronted with questions about Graf. Frustrated by the media’s fixation on the German legend’s absence, Hingis famously retorted, “You always talk about Steffi Graf. It’s not my mistake she’s not here.”

Hingis’s response underscored her irritation at being perpetually overshadowed by comparisons to Graf, even when the latter was not competing. This moment of candidness resonated with many, as it highlighted the pressure and expectations placed on top athletes to live up to their predecessors’ legacies.

At the time, Hingis was making headlines for her own impressive accomplishments. She had become the youngest-ever Grand Slam champion in the Open Era by winning the 1997 Australian Open at the age of 16. Her strategic intelligence and versatile playing style had quickly earned her a dominant position in women’s tennis. However, despite her success, the media’s narrative often circled back to Graf, reflecting the lasting impact and admiration for the German champion.

Steffi Graf’s retirement in 1999 marked the