‘Supposed to Be Married’ – Steffi Graf’s Former Hitting Partner Sheds Light on Her Father’s Rigid ‘Wish List’ as an Obscure Tale Discloses a Lifetime Coaching Opportunity

Being cautious about whom your child dates is a tricky subject. However, 22-time Grand Slam winner Steffi Graf and her dad had a very strict policy. In a recent interview, renowned coach Heinz Günthardt shed light on his association with Graf. Günthardt also shared a funny tale about Graf’s dad not being entirely subtle with his questions. Mostly pertaining to the marriage status of the coach.

Undoubtedly, Graf had an amazing career in tennis. Even after 24 years of her retirement, she is still considered to be one of the best to set foot on a tennis court. Her absolute dominance in tennis has a little something to do with Günthardt’s coaching as well. 

Heinz Günthardt reveals an engaging interaction while coaching Steffi Graf

In his interview with Tennis Magazin, Günthardt shared his thoughts about many things. But what caught everyone’s attention was his answer to a certain question in the interview. Heinz was reminded of the fact that folks in Germany remember him as Graf’s coach. And the question aimed to uncover how the two of them came in contact. 

Günthardt, while answering the question mentioned his previous association with Rot-Weiß Berlin’s Bundesliga team, said: “I had previously coached Rot-Weiß Berlin’s Bundesliga team for five years.”

He then stated that Graf had connections within that team. Graf’s dad was also looking for a coach who was in shape to play but should also be married. “Steffi had good relationships there. Her father was looking for a coach who could play tennis properly and spoke German. And – that was interesting: he was supposed to be married.”

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The interviewer seemed a bit confused and asked for an elaborate answer, saying: “I’m sorry, what?” Heinz clarified how Steffi’s dad Peter Graf wanted a coach who was married. Peter even brought up questions about Heinz’s married life. Heinz quoted Peter Graff saying: “How is the marriage, is everything solid?” As per him, Peter never told him the reason. It’s quite apparent that Mr. Graf did not want any prospect of a romantic relationship between Heinz and Steffi. His relationship with his daughter has been subjected to multiple allegations, especially about being too harsh.

The father-daughter relationship beyond tennis

It is safe to say that Peter Graf was a major reason for Steffi to become a tennis star. He trained Steffi throughout her childhood to be a champ. Although Peter’s life was full of multiple allegations, almost everyone thought of him to be very controlling of his daughter.

Peter was her coach even after she turned professional in 1982. After four years, Pavel Slozil joined the team alongside Peter. However, Günthardt replaced Slozil after 5 years. The Swiss coach went on to be Steffi’s coach till she retired in 1999. 

Günthardt helped Steffi Graf bag 12 Grand Slam titles since he started coaching her. He remained her coach for almost 7 years and could’ve been longer if she had continued her career. What are your thoughts on Peter Graf’s strict policy on collaborating with only married coaches? Let us know in the comments.

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