A similar proposal many years later to Maria Sharapova got a disdainful look in response, to re-emphasise her haughty image. This is not to criticise Sharapova, who, unlike Graf, was not winning at that stage, but just to illustrate how different minds think and work differently. Cricketers play at a huge distance from the crowd, so it’s tough to identify someone who is encouraging you in the throng. Make no mistake, it’s hard work getting hold of these items and they don’t fall into their laps. It’s recognising the collectors’ sheer love of the game that makes players part with items that hold special memories and are associated with winning moments and which are close to their hearts and very difficult to part with.

Source: The Hindu July 06, 2021 09:45 UTC