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…

**Martina Hingis Frustrated by Media’s Focus on Steffi Graf’s Absence**

In a moment that captured the tension and competitive spirit of professional tennis, Martina Hingis expressed her frustration with the media’s persistent focus on Steffi Graf’s absence during a press conference. The incident, which has since become a memorable anecdote in tennis history, highlighted the Swiss player’s annoyance at the constant comparisons to the German icon, who had retired in 1999.

Hingis, then one of the leading figures in women’s tennis, was addressing questions from the press following a significant match. The conversation, however, took an unexpected turn when a reporter once again brought up Steffi Graf, a frequent topic even in her absence. Hingis, visibly irritated, retorted, “You always talking about Steffi Graf, it’s not my mistake she’s not here.” Her words underscored a palpable frustration with the media’s reluctance to move on from Graf’s legacy and recognize the current talents dominating the court.

At the time, Hingis was carving out her own impressive career, having become the youngest-ever Grand Slam champion in the Open Era at 16. Her accomplishments, including multiple Grand Slam titles and a stint as World No. 1, were often overshadowed by the towering legacy of Graf. This particular outburst was not just a spur-of-the-moment reaction but a culmination of ongoing efforts by Hingis to assert her own identity and achievements in the sport.

The media’s relentless comparisons to Graf were indicative of the deep impact Graf had left on the sport, yet they also posed a challenge for contemporaries like Hingis who were striving to establish their own place in tennis history. Despite this, Hingis continued to perform at a high level, earning respect and accolades that cemented her status as one of the sport’s greats.

This episode remains a telling example of the pressures athletes face from media narratives and the struggle for recognition in the shadow of past legends. Hingis’s candid remark has since been remembered as a bold assertion of her own right to the spotlight in a fiercely competitive era of women’s tennis.