Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi: The most pleasant dream couple in the
world professes this great vision. In this interview, they reveal what is
the secret of their happy relationship -- and what their feelings inspire
them to do.

"freundin"
January 2006
Birgit Buchholz-Rassy/Ulrike Schädlich

One notices it at first sight: The two understand each other without
words. Those little gestures. How his eyes flash when he looks at her.
How she smiles at that and her face involuntarily lights up. The often
cited concept of the dream couple -- with Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi,
it seems to be true. Together since 1999, married since 2001, parents of
two children (Jaden Gil, 4, Jaz Elle, 2) and now also a tandem project: In
Munich, they presented their first perfume, "Aramis Always," and spoke
about their love.

freundin: Steffi, Andre -- your new fragrance duo is called "Aramis
Always for her" and "Aramis Always for him." Can one also take that as a
kind of reciprocal declaration of love?

Steffi Graf: Certainly! [Looks at Andre, who nods in agreement.] The
fragrances try to capture what is transpiring in the souls of two people
who love each other.

Andre Agassi: In the summer of 2004, when Steffi was inducted into the
International Hall of Fame, I said that the words had yet to be found to
express what I feel for this woman who I love so much. Now there is a
fragrance that does it.

freundin: Placed together, the bottles produce the form of a ring, of the
symbol for infinity. Do you believe in the much-sworn eternal love?

Steffi Graf: Oh, yes, absolutely! What a question! We knew very soon
that we had found it in each other -- that hasn't changed to this day.

freundin: Was there a definite moment in which you knew the other was
your great love -- or did it develop more?

Andre Agassi: I knew it from the first moment. It was immediately magic
between us -- and it still is today.

Steffi Graf: I already know you're a fast mover... [Both laugh.] Since I
am somewhat more reserved, it took somewhat longer with me.

Andre Agassi: Yes, only ten years! [Steffi nudges Andre's side.]

Steffi Graf: No, that isn't true at all. Very quickly, it was also clear to
me that something unique and totally special is with us. It just always
depends on where you are in your life, whether you are ready for a
relationship. I was at the end of my career in the summer of 1999. And
at the time Andre really helped me find my way in my new phase of life.

freundin: When were you first aware of Steffi as a woman and not as a
tennis player, Andre?

Andre Agassi: [Jokingly] I was probably twelve or so, and she played in
the final of Wimbledon. Or maybe I was 15...

Steffi Graf: Sorry that I have to say this to you, but that wasn't me.

Andre Agassi: No? And I could've sworn... No, seriously, the outside isn't
so important to me. What really counts is the inside.

Steffi Graf: Absolutely!

Andre Agassi: Of course we had seen each other over and over again for
years at tournaments, but our paths never actually crossed there. We
weren't really aware of each other, let alone spoke with each other.
Only in 1999 in Paris did we get to know each other in the truest sense.
We arranged to meet each other more often, first in practice, then
privately, and had very serious conversations with each other. That's
when I got to know and love the person Stefanie Graf. A magic moment
for me!

freundin: How much does romance mean to you -- do you see
yourselves as romantic people?

Steffi Graf: Well, yes. I think every person has a romantic bent. Mind
you, since we have our children Jaden Gil and Jaz Elle, it is admittedly
rather seldom that Andre and I have time totally alone for each other.
And when we do, then we enjoy it classically, for example with a good
glass of wine in front of our fireplace at home in Las Vegas.

Andre Agassi: Whereby for me romantic means much more than a
candle-light dinner or watching a sunset.

freundin: And what's that?

Andre Agassi: Closeness and trust. I think it's very romantic to do
something with Stefanie. It doesn't matter what, creating a perfume or
going for a walk... There are so many things which bring you totally
together spiritually and emotionally.

freundin: Would you describe yourselves as soul mates?

Steffi Graf: Yes, no question. We tick the same, understand each other
without words.

freundin: You are considered a dream couple. What is the secret of your
relationship?

Andre Agassi: One must have the right partner, then everything works.
And although we are married already now for over four years, we
discover each other anew everyday. There are so many more good days
than bad. Our relationship is built on love, friendship, and fairness in
being together everyday. Actually a requirement for every marriage. I
think it's a gigantic happiness to be married to this woman -- she is the
best thing that could happen to me.

Steffi Graf: [Smiles] There is so very much trust between us, we can
count on one another. That is the most important thing for me.

freundin: We don't see any wedding ring on your finger. Where is it?

Andre Agassi: It would bother me playing tennis. But I wear it quite
close to me. If I go out, then the people know by my smile that I'm
married.

freundin: Your husband is on the road a lot, Steffi. Are you ever jealous
sometimes?

Steffi Graf: No, Andre and I have a wonderful, stable relationship...

Andre Agassi: [Breaking in] ... Other women don't interest me! Stefanie
is the woman of my life, the mother of our children, and she still will be
50 years from now.

freundin: Apropos of children: Your daughter Jaz Elle is two, your son
Jaden Gil four years old. Are they already interested in tennis?

Steffi Graf: Jaz is still too young. With Jaden we have already noticed a
lot of ball talent. He really likes to watch tennis, claps his hands and
laughs. At the moment, he doesn't yet like to play himself.

Andre Agassi: We would never put our children under pressure to play
tennis or even to become pros. It's much more important to us that
they, no matter what they do, do it with the same passion with which
Stefanie and I played tennis and still play, respectively.

freundin: To come back to your new perfumes once again: Was it
difficult to find the right fragrance notes?

Andre Agassi: You can probably say that. It was a long process. By the
way, our children helped us with that...

freundin: In what way?

Steffi Graf: Children are very honest. We asked them whether it smells
good or not. And now they recognize us by the fragrances.

freundin: So they say, "Aramis Always for her" ...

Steffi Graf: ... is Mommy!

freundin: ... and "Aramis Always for him?"

Andre Agassi: ... is Daddy -- well, mostly. [Both laugh.]

freundin: Do you like to be in Germany, Steffi?

Steffi Graf: Yes, of course. I always try to come to Germany at least
once a year to visit friends and relatives.

Andre Agassi: ... but she seldom bears it without the children for more
than two days, not even if she knows that I'm taking care of them.

Steffi Graf: True. Then I get "withdrawal symptoms." But that goes for
you, too, Andre. That's why we always travel with you as much as
possible.

Andre Agassi: Yes, it gives me peace and strength. Otherwise my
thoughts would always be in Las Vegas.

freundin: Steffi, where do you feel at home?

Steffi Graf: I've been out in the world a lot, my home isn't tied to a
place. I associate security much more with the concept. The focal point
of my life now lies in Las Vegas, precisely where I live with my family.