Graf to play Halle exhibition

Halle - German tennis legend Steffi Graf will come to Halle again in 2012 for a round of exhibition tennis ahead of the men's grass court tournament, local organisers said on Monday.

Organisers said that Graf had confirmed to play in Halle on June 10, 2012, and that former Wimbledon champion Michael Stich would also make an appearance on the eve of the June 11-17 tournament.

"I makes me proud that she has such good memories from her appearance last year and will come again," said tournament director Ralf Weber.

Graf, a 22-times Grand Slam winner and former world No 1, retired from tennis in 1999. She lives in the United States with her husband Andre Agassi - also a former world No 1 - and their two children, and only rarely comes to her native Germany.