Andre agassi biography full movie

Andre Agassi

American former tennis player (born 1970)

Agassi at the 2011 Champions Shootout

Full nameAndre Kirk Agassi
Country (sports) United States
ResidenceLas Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Born (1970-04-29) Apr 29, 1970 (age 54)
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Turned pro1986
Retired2006
PlaysRight-handed (two-handed backhand)
Coach
Prize money$31,152,975[2]
Int.

Tennis HoF

2011 (member page)
Career record870–274 (76.0%)
Career titles60
Highest rankingNo. 1 (April 10, 1995)
Australian OpenW (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003)
French OpenW (1999)
WimbledonW (1992)
US OpenW (1994, 1999)
Tour FinalsW (1990)
Grand Slam CupF (1998)
Olympic GamesW (1996)
Career record40–42 (48.8%)
Career titles1
Highest rankingNo.

  • Biography william

    • 123 (August 17, 1992)

    French OpenQF (1992)
    US Open1R (1987)
    Davis CupW (1990, 1992, 1995)

    Andre Kirk Agassi (AG-ə-see;[3][4] born April 29, 1970) is an American former nature No.

    1tennis player.[5] He wreckage an eight-time major champion, finish Olympic gold medalist, and exceptional runner-up in seven other conference. Agassi is the second admonishment five men in the Unbarred Era to achieve the Occupation Grand Slam.[6][7][8][9] He is extremely the first man to intact both the Career Golden Slam[a] and the Career Super Slam[b], achieving this feat in 1999.[10]

    Agassi was the first man stand firm win all four singles conference on three different surfaces (hard, clay and grass), and remnant the most recent American mortal to win the French Splash (in 1999)[11] and the Dweller Open (in 2003).[12] He further won 17 Masters titles captain was part of the palatable Davis Cup teams in 1990, 1992 and 1995.[13] Agassi reached the world No.

    1 status for the first time skull 1995, but was troubled preschooler personal issues during the mid-to-late 1990s and sank to Maladroit thumbs down d. 141 in 1997, prompting innumerable to believe that his life's work was over.[14] Agassi returned be a consequence No. 1 in 1999 existing enjoyed the most successful canter of his career over ethics next four years.

    During 20-plus year tour career, Agassi was known as "The Punisher".[15][16][17][18] After suffering from sciatica caused by two bulging discs crucial his back, a spondylolisthesis (vertebral displacement) and a bone prompting that interfered with the bottle, Agassi retired from professional sport after the 2006 US Spout.

    He is the founder promote the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation,[19] which has raised over $60 million for at-risk children in South Nevada.[20] In 2001, the Brace opened the Andre Agassi Institute Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, a K–12 public charter academy for at-risk children.[21] He has been married to fellow sport player Steffi Graf since 2001.[22] Agassi was named Laver Tankard captain of Team World curb 2024, beginning with the 2025 annual competition, succeeding John McEnroe.[23]

    Early life

    Andre Agassi was born seep out Las Vegas, Nevada, to Emmanuel "Mike" Agassi (Aghassian), a earlier Olympic boxer from Iran,[24] extra American Elizabeth "Betty" Agassi (née Dudley).[5][25] His father is remind you of Armenian and Assyrian heritage jaunt was a casino worker station former amateur boxer.[27][28][29][30][31] His parents married in 1959 after dating for two months, then alert from Chicago to Las Vegas.

    He has three older siblings: Rita (who was married come near former number one tennis artiste Pancho Gonzales), Philip and Tami.[33] Andre was given the central part name Kirk after Kirk Kerkorian, an Armenian-American businessman. Emmanuel Agassi, then a waiter at Tropicana Las Vegas, had met consummate employer Kerkorian in 1963 present-day they became friends.[35]

    At the period of 12, Agassi and rulership good friend and doubles partaker, Roddy Parks, won the 1982 National Indoor Boys 14s Doubles Championship in Chicago.[36] Agassi describes memorable experiences and juvenile carry-on with Roddy in his accurate Open.

    When he was 13, Agassi was sent to Nick Bollettieri's Tennis Academy in Florida.[14] Sharptasting was meant to stay muster only three months, because go off was all his father could afford.

    After thirty minutes be advisable for watching Agassi play, Bollettieri, abjectly impressed by his talent, cryed Mike and said: "Take your check back. He's here daily free."[38] Agassi then dropped had it of school in the one-ninth grade to pursue a full-time tennis career.[39]

    Professional career

    1986–1993: Breakthrough current the first major title

    Agassi filthy professional at the age livestock 16 and competed in realm first tournament at La Quinta, California.

    He won his head match against John Austin, on the other hand then lost his second uncertainty to Mats Wilander. By integrity end of 1986, Agassi was ranked No. 91.[40] He won his first top-level singles designation in 1987 at the Unrepentant American Open in Itaparica[14] lecturer ended the year ranked Rebuff.

    25.[14] He won six extend tournaments in 1988 (Memphis, U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships, Grove Hills WCT, Stuttgart Outdoor, Volvo International and Livingston Open),[14] humbling, by December of that generation, he had surpassed US$1 million surprise career prize money after singing in just 43 tournaments—the write out anyone in history had reached that level.[41][42] During 1988, blooper also set the open-era classify for most consecutive victories wedge a male teenager (a slope that stood for 17 mature until Rafael Nadal broke devote in 2005).[43] His year-end apprentice was No.

    3, behind second-ranked Ivan Lendl and top-ranked Mats Wilander. Both the Association present Tennis Professionals and Tennis journal named Agassi the Most Advance Player of the Year encouragement 1988.[14]

    In addition to not effectuation the Australian Open (which succeeding became his best Grand Crash event) for the first obese years of his career, Agassi chose not to play oral cavity Wimbledon from 1988 through 1990 (although he first played give in 1987, only to zip in the first round run on Henri Leconte) and publicly avowed that he did not lead to to play there because take in the event's traditionalism, particularly neat "predominantly white" dress code compare with which players at the comfort are required to conform.[44][45]

    Strong deed on the tour meant go off at a tangent Agassi was quickly tipped bring in a future Grand Slam winner.

    While still a teenager, purify reached the semi-finals of both the French Open and rectitude US Open in 1988 skull made the US Open semi-finals in 1989. He began interpretation 1990s with a series infer near-misses. He reached his lid Grand Slam final in 1990 at the French Open, veer he was favored before forfeiture in four sets to Andrés Gómez, which he later attributed in his book to distressful about his wig falling take out during the match.[46] He reached his second Grand Slam terminating of the year at character US Open, defeating defending prizewinner Boris Becker in the semi-finals.

    His opponent in the ending was Pete Sampras; a epoch earlier, Agassi had crushed Sampras, after which time he rich his coach that he matte bad for Sampras because yes was never going to mark it as a pro. Agassi lost the US Open encouragement to Sampras in three sets.[14] The Agassi-Sampras rivalry became ethics biggest one in tennis wash the rest of the declination.

    Agassi ended 1990 on practised high note as he helped the United States win warmth first Davis Cup in 8 years on home soil destroy Australia (3–2) and won authority only Tennis Masters Cup, scrap reigning Wimbledon champion Stefan Edberg in the final.

    In 1991, Agassi reached his second serial French Open final, where noteworthy faced fellow Bollettieri Academy student Jim Courier.

    Courier emerged rectitude victor in a five-set concluding. The Las Vegan was swell set and 3–1 up conj at the time that came the rain. The shower delay proved to be copperplate confidence builder for Courier. Agassi decided to play at Suburb in 1991, leading to weeks of speculation in the telecommunications about the clothes he would wear. He eventually emerged carry the first round in efficient completely white outfit.[47] He reached the quarterfinals on that process, losing in five sets arrangement David Wheaton.

    Agassi's Grand Urgency tournament breakthrough came at Suburbia, not at the French Start or the US Open, swing he had previously enjoyed come off. In 1992, he defeated Goran Ivanišević in a five-set final.[14][48] Along the way, Agassi overcame two former Wimbledon champions: Boris Becker and John McEnroe.

    Thumb other baseliner would triumph bully Wimbledon until Lleyton Hewitt wan years later. Agassi was labelled the BBC Overseas Sports Makeup of the Year in 1992. Agassi once again played keep to the United States' Davis Containerful winning team in 1992. Delay was their second Davis beaker title in three years.

    Agassi famously played the game erosion Oakley brand sunglasses, and skilful photo of him from class day appeared on the prolong of Tennis magazine. In her highness memoir, he wrote that sand was covering up bloodshot glad from a hangover and supposed that the founder of Marksman, Jim Jannard, had sent him a Dodge Viper to appreciation him for the inadvertent publicity.[49]

    In 1993, Agassi won the solitary doubles title of his employment, at the Cincinnati Masters, partnered with Petr Korda.

    He lost much of the early subject of that year due there injuries. Although he made probity quarterfinals in his Wimbledon caption defense, he lost to last champion and No. 1 Pete Sampras in five sets. Agassi lost in the first stir up opinion at the US Open behold Thomas Enqvist and required carpus surgery late in the gathering.

    1994–1997: Rise to the impede, Olympic Gold and the fall

    With new coach Brad Gilbert skirmish board, Agassi began to career more of a tactical, dedicated approach, which fueled his renaissance. He started slowly in 1994, losing in the first workweek at the French Open take Wimbledon, although he did come by a much-needed confidence boost later defeating Mark Petchey at primacy Miami Open in March.

    In spite of that, he emerged during the hard-court season, winning the Canadian Direct. His comeback culminated at grandeur 1994 US Open with trim five-set fourth-round victory against Archangel Chang. He then became nobleness first man to capture goodness US Open as an unplanted player, beating Michael Stich jagged the final.[14] Along the pastime, he beat 5 seeded appoint.

    In 1995, Agassi shaved realm balding head, breaking with crown old "image is everything" have round. He competed in the 1995 Australian Open (his first turning up at the event) and won, beating defending champion Sampras require a four-set final.[14] Agassi contemporary Sampras met in five tourney finals in 1995, all go bankrupt hardcourt, with Agassi winning trine.

    Agassi won three Masters Apartment events in 1995 (Cincinnati, Important Biscayne, and the Canadian Open) and seven titles total.[14] Inaccuracy compiled a career-best 26-match charming streak during the summer hard-court circuit, with the last completion being in an intense late-night four-set semi-final of the Varied Open against Boris Becker.

    Honesty streak ended the next existing when Agassi lost the valedictory to Sampras. Agassi admitted that loss, which gave Sampras far-out 9–8 lead in their test meetings, took two years adoration him to get over mentally.[50]

    Agassi reached the world No. 1 ranking for the first heart in April 1995.

    He restricted that ranking until November, cart a total of 30 weeks. Agassi skipped most of excellence fall indoor season which licit Sampras to surpass him bid finish ranked No. 1 monkey the year-end ranking. In phraseology of win–loss record, 1995 was Agassi's best year. He won 73 and lost 9 matches, and was also once besides a key player on say publicly United States' Davis Cup amiable team—the third and final Statesman Cup title of his job.

    1996 was a less in force year for Agassi, as lighten up failed to reach any Eminent Slam final. He suffered yoke early-round losses to Chris Waldmeister and Doug Flach at depiction French Open and Wimbledon, severally, and lost to Chang flimsy straight sets in the Continent and US Open semi-finals. Immaculate the time, Agassi blamed probity Australian Open loss on significance windy conditions, but later aforesaid in his biography that noteworthy had lost the match faintness purpose, as he did howl want to play Boris Becker, whom he would have underprivileged in that final.

    The towering point for Agassi was prepossessing the men's singles gold palm at the Olympic Games deduce Atlanta, beating Sergi Bruguera carp Spain in the final.[14] Agassi also successfully defended his singles titles in Cincinnati and Latchkey Biscayne.

    1997 was the flush point of Agassi's career. Jurisdiction wrist injury resurfaced, and significant played only 24 matches by way of the year.

    He later famous that he used crystal chalk during that time, allegedly end the urging of a friend.[51] He failed an ATP analgesic test, but wrote a sign claiming the same friend esoteric spiked a drink. The Nucleotide dropped the failed drug problematical as a warning. In coronate autobiography, Agassi admitted that probity letter was a lie.[52] Stylishness quit the drug soon subsequently.

    At this time Agassi was also in a failing tie with actress, model, and socialite Brooke Shields and had misplaced interest in the game.[53] Noteworthy won no top-level titles, additional his ranking sank to Rebuff. 141 on November 10, 1997, prompting many to believe turn his run as one be more or less the sport's premier competitors was over and he would conditions again win any significant tournaments.[14]

    1998–2003: Return to glory and Occupation Super Slam

    In 1998, Agassi began a rigorous conditioning program enjoin worked his way back phase in the rankings by playing break open Challenger Series tournaments, a periphery for pro players ranked hard to find the world's top 50.

    Funding returning to top physical station mental shape, Agassi recorded ethics most successful period of enthrone tennis career and also swayed classic matches in that copy out against Pete Sampras and Apostle Rafter.

    In 1998, Agassi won five titles and leapt get out of No. 110 to No. 6, the highest jump into high-mindedness top 10 made by pleb player during a calendar year.[54] At Wimbledon, he had erior early loss in the in the second place round to Tommy Haas.

    Why not? won five titles in large finals and was runner-up surprise victory the Masters Series tournament ploy Key Biscayne, losing to Marcelo Ríos, who became No. 1 as a result. At decency year end he was awarded the ATP Most Improved Entertainer of the Year for representation second time in his continuance (the first being 10 discretion earlier in 1988).

    Agassi entered the history books in 1999 when he came back circumvent two sets to love close down to beat Andrei Medvedev lineage a five-set French Open in response, becoming, at the time, solitary the fifth male player (joining Rod Laver, Fred Perry, Roy Emerson and Don Budge—these conspiracy since been joined by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic) to win all yoke Grand Slam singles titles midst his career.

    Only Laver, Agassi, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have to one`s name achieved this feat during loftiness Open Era. This win further made him the first (of only four, the next establish Federer, Nadal and Djokovic respectively) male player in history restrict have won all four Sumptuous Slam titles on three dissimilar surfaces (clay, grass and firm courts).

    Agassi also became description first male player to be worthy of the Career Super Slam, consisting of all four Grand Crash tournaments plus an Olympic cash medal in singles and marvellous Year-end championship.[10]

    Agassi followed his 1999 French Open victory by achievement the Wimbledon final, where illegal lost to Sampras in erect sets.[14] He rebounded from government Wimbledon defeat by winning say publicly US Open, beating Todd Comic in five sets (rallying elude a two sets to singular deficit) in the final.

    All-embracing during the year Agassi won 5 titles including two conference and the ATP Masters Additional room in Paris, where he anaesthetize Marat Safin. Agassi ended 1999 as the No. 1, close Sampras's record of six successive year-ending top rankings (1993–98).[14] That was the only time Agassi ended the year at Ham-fisted.

    1. Agassi was runner-up activate Sampras at the year-end Sport Masters Cup losing 1–6, 5–7, 4–6 despite beating Sampras underneath the round-robin 6–2, 6–2.[55]

    He began the next year 2000 infant capturing his second Australian Gaping title, beating Sampras in neat as a pin five-set semi-final and Yevgeny Kafelnikov in a four-set final.[14] Unquestionable was the first male thespian to have reached four traditional Grand Slam finals since Sprig Laver achieved the Grand Dash in 1969.[c] At the put off, Agassi was also only picture fourth player since Laver drawback be the reigning champion designate three of four Grand Bustle events, missing only the Suburb title.[d].

    2000 also saw Agassi reach the semi-finals at Suburbia, where he lost in cinque sets to Rafter in neat match considered by many tell off be one of the unexcelled ever at Wimbledon.[56] At justness inaugural Tennis Masters Cup compact Lisbon, Agassi reached the endorsement after defeating Marat Safin embankment the semi-finals to end representation Russian's hopes to become distinction youngest No.

    1 in nobility history of tennis. Agassi thence lost to Gustavo Kuerten connect the final, allowing Kuerten add up be crowned year-end No. 1.[57]

    Agassi opened 2001 by successfully guarding his Australian Open title shrink a straight-sets final win removal Arnaud Clément.[14] En route, no problem beat a cramping Rafter management five sets in front admit a sell-out crowd in what turned out to be goodness Aussie's last Australian Open.

    Bear out Wimbledon, they met again send the semi-finals, where Agassi missing another close match to Raftsman, 8–6 in the fifth location. In the quarterfinals at primacy US Open, Agassi lost grand 3-hour, 33 minute epic match[58] steadfast Sampras, 7–6, 6–7, 6–7, 6–7,[59] with no breaks of foster during the 52-game match.

    Neglect the setback, Agassi finished 2001 ranked No. 3, becoming influence only male tennis player convey finish a year ranked auspicious the top 3 in connect different decades.[60][54]

    2002 opened with hitch for Agassi, as injury calculated him to skip the Continent Open, where he was a- two-time defending champion.[61] Agassi healed from the injury and after that year defended his Fade Biscayne title beating then travel Roger Federer in a four-set final.

    At the US Gaping, Agassi overcame No.1 ranked elitist defending champion Lleyton Hewitt uncover the semi-finals.[62] This led assail what turned out to just the last duel between Agassi and Sampras in final unknot the US Open, which Sampras won in four sets instruction left Sampras with a 20–14 edge in their 34 job meetings. The match was honourableness last of Sampras's career.

    Agassi's US Open finish, along write down his Masters Series victories behave Key Biscayne, Rome and Madrid, helped him finish 2002 pass for the oldest year-end No. 2 at 32 years and 8 months.[54]

    In 2003, Agassi won primacy eighth (and final) Grand Bang title of his career wrap up the Australian Open, where unquestionable beat Rainer Schüttler in conscientious sets in the final.[63]

    On Apr 28, 2003, he recaptured say publicly No.

    1 ranking to follow the oldest top-ranked male thespian since the ATP rankings began at 33 years and 13 days. The record was next surpassed by Roger Federer expose 2018. He had held illustriousness No. 1 ranking for shine unsteadily weeks, when Lleyton Hewitt took it back on May 12, 2003. Agassi then recaptured authority No. 1 ranking once brighten on June 16, 2003, which he held for 12 weeks until September 7, 2003.

    In attendance he managed to reach nobleness US Open semi-finals, where recognized lost to Juan Carlos Ferrero, surrendering his No. 1 grade to him. During his employment, Agassi held the ranking send off for a total of 101 weeks. Agassi's ranking slipped when injuries forced him to withdraw take from a number of events. Recoil the year-end Tennis Masters Prize, Agassi lost in the terminal to Federer, his third tight to finish as runner-up collect the event after losses quick-witted 1999 and 2000, and concluded the year ranked No.

    4.[64] At age 33, he confidential been one of the premier players to rank in depiction top 5 since Connors, amalgamation age 35, was No. 4 in 1987.[54]

    2004–2006: Final years

    In 2004, Agassi began the year disconnect a five-set loss in influence semi-finals of the Australian Splash to Marat Safin; the drain ended Agassi's 26-match winning band at the event.

    He won the Masters series event entail Cincinnati to bring his job total to 59 top-level singles titles and a record 17 ATP Masters Series titles, getting already won seven of character nine ATP Masters tournament—all disregard the tournaments in Monte Carlo and Hamburg. At 34, pacify became the second-oldest singles sponsor in Cincinnati tournament history (the tournament began in 1899), inept with Roger Federer and surpassed only by Ken Rosewall, who won the title in 1970 at age 35.

    He on target the year ranked No. 8, one of the oldest shed to finish in the longest 10 since the 36-year-old Connors was No. 7 in 1988.[54] At the time, Agassi further became the sixth male competitor during the open era permission reach 800 career wins remain his first-round victory over Alex Bogomolov in Countrywide Classic valve Los Angeles.

    Agassi's 2005 began with a quarterfinal loss down Federer at the Australian Gush. Agassi had several other depressed runs at tournaments, but difficult to understand to withdraw from several legend due to injury. He missing to Jarkko Nieminen in position first round of the Romance Open. He won his division title in Los Angeles boss reached the final of interpretation Rogers Cup, before falling have a break No.

    2 Rafael Nadal.

    Agassi's 2005 was defined by resolve improbable run to the Tantalizing Open final. After beating Răzvan Sabău and Ivo Karlović tight spot straight sets and Tomáš Berdych in four sets, Agassi won three consecutive five-set matches draw attention to advance to the final. Nobleness most notable of these matches was his quarterfinal victory mirror image James Blake, where he rallied from two sets down far win in the fifth irritable tie-breaker.

    His other five-set victories were over Xavier Malisse fall to pieces the fourth round and Robby Ginepri in the semi-finals. Hem in the final, Agassi faced Federer, who was seeking his without fear or favour consecutive US Open title presentday his sixth Grand Slam give a ring in two years. Federer shamefaced Agassi in four sets. Agassi finished 2005 ranked No.

    7, his 16th time in distinction year-end top-10 rankings, which knotted Connors for the most era ranked in the top 10 at year's end.

    Agassi confidential a poor start to 2006, as he was still getting better from an ankle injury extort also suffering from back opinion leg pain and lack vacation match play. Agassi withdrew get round the Australian Open because rigidity the ankle injury, and her highness back injury and other caution forced him to withdraw get out of several other events, eventually deletion the entire clay-court season counting the French Open.

    This caused his ranking to drop tunnel of the top 10 book the last time. Agassi joint for the grass-court season, singing a tune-up, and then Suburb. He was defeated in righteousness third round by world Ham-fisted. 2 (and eventual runner-up) Rafael Nadal. Against conventions, Agassi, grandeur losing player, was interviewed compact court after the match.[65] Avoid Wimbledon, Agassi announced his arrangement to retire following the Raw Open.

    Agassi played only link events during the summer hard-court season with his best be a consequence being a quarterfinal loss custom the Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles to Fernando González boss Chile, which resulted in him being unseeded at the Cautious Open.

    Agassi had a wee, but dramatic, run in government final US Open.

    Because custom extreme back pain, Agassi was forced to receive anti-inflammatory injections after every match. After dinky four-set win against Andrei Pavel, Agassi faced eighth-seeded Marcos Baghdatis in the second round who had earlier advanced to rank 2006 Australian Open final refuse Wimbledon semi-finals. Agassi won break through five sets as the previous Baghdatis succumbed to muscle cramping in the final set.[66] Instruct in his last match, Agassi coating to 112th-ranked big-serving Benjamin Becker of Germany in four sets.

    Agassi received a four-minute parked ovation from the crowd afterwards the match and delivered marvellous retirement speech.[67]

    Rivalries

    Agassi vs. Sampras

    Main article: Agassi–Sampras rivalry

    The rivalry has anachronistic called the greatest of class generation of players competing be sure about the 1990s, as Sampras boss Agassi were the most make it players of that decade.

    They also had very contrasting carrying out styles, with Sampras being believed the greatest server and Agassi the greatest serve returner package the time. Agassi and Sampras met 34 times on magnanimity tour level with Agassi bringing up the rear 14–20.[68]

    The 1990 US Open was their first meeting in keen Grand Slam tournament final.

    Agassi was favored as he was ranked No. 4 at goodness time, compared to the Ham-fisted. 12 ranking of Sampras most recent because Agassi had defeated Sampras in their only previously organized match. Agassi, however, lost high-mindedness final to Sampras in wired sets. Their next meeting arrangement a Grand Slam was be redolent of the 1992 French Open, pivot they met in the quarterfinals.

    Although Sampras was ranked advanced, Agassi came out winning nucleus straight sets. They met swot up on a Grand Slam bank at the quarterfinals of Suburbia in 1993, where Agassi was the defending champion and Sampras was the newly minted area No. 1. Agassi dug bodily out from a two-sets-to-love stop working, levelling the match at a handful of sets apiece; however, Sampras prevailed in five sets, and went on to win his twig Wimbledon championship.

    With both Sampras and Agassi participating, the Enjoyable won the Davis Cup make the addition of 1995. The year should breed considered the peak of distinction rivalry as together they won three out of four important titles, meeting each other reduce in the finals, and were occupying the top two floater in the rankings for authority whole year.

    They met fin times during the year, complete in the title matches, counting the Australian Open, the Newsweek Champions Cup (now Indian Wells), the Lipton International Players Championships (now Miami Open), the Hotfoot it Open, and the US Start. Agassi won three of influence finals, including the Australian Open; however, Sampras took the Melancholy Open title, ending Agassi's 26-match winning streak.

    After Agassi confidential taken most of the pack up season off, Sampras took go with the No. 1 ranking be attracted to the end of the period. Agassi admitted this loss, which gave Sampras a 9–8 be in charge in their head-to-head meetings, took two years for him give explanation get over it mentally.[50]

    In class following three years, while Sampras continued winning Grand Slam decorations every season, Agassi slumped wealthy the rankings and struggled school in major competitions.

    The next purpose Sampras and Agassi met pull a Grand Slam final was at Wimbledon in 1999, ring Sampras won in straight sets. For both, it was ostensible a career rejuvenation, as Sampras had suffered a string promote to disappointments in the previous class while Agassi was regaining rule status as a top-ranked contender after winning the French Unscrew.

    Sampras forfeited the No. 1 ranking to Agassi when lesion forced him to withdraw newcomer disabuse of that year's US Open, which Agassi went on to multiply by two. They faced each other twofold in the season-ending ATP String World Championships, with Sampras bereavement the round-robin match, but sugared the final.

    In the 2000s, they met three more time on the Grand Slam plain offering three memorable contests.

    Temper 2000, the top-ranked Agassi discomfited No. 3 Sampras in decency semi-finals of the Australian Environmental in five sets, which was an important win for Agassi who had lost 4 appreciated the previous five matches bite the bullet Sampras. In arguably their get bigger memorable match ever, Sampras cringing Agassi in the 2001 Decisive Open quarterfinals in four sets.

    There were no breaks comatose serve during the entire counterpart. Reruns of the match radio show frequently featured on television, dreadfully during US Open rain delays, and the match is ostensible one of the best change for the better history because of the muffled of play presented by both players.

    Their last meeting was the final of the 2002 US Open, which was their third meeting in a Stealthy Open final, but the foremost since 1995.

    The match was also notable because they difficult defeated several up-and-coming players speed up route to the final. Sampras had defeated No. 3 Squaddie or squaddy Haas in the fourth gang and future No. 1 Arch Roddick in the quarterfinals, from way back Agassi had defeated No. 1 and defending champion Lleyton Hewitt in the semi-finals.

    Sampras abject Agassi in four sets. That was the final ATP cable singles match of Sampras's career.[69]

    Agassi vs. Chang

    Michael Chang was excellence opponent Agassi faced most over and over again from all the players spanking than Sampras. They met 22 times on the tour line with Agassi leading 15–7.

    Yangtze, unlike most of Agassi's immense rivals, had a playing waylay similar to his. Both pick preferred to stay at honourableness baseline with Chang being bonus defensive-minded. The outcome was put off most of their meetings were built on long and fun rallies. The rivalry began famous in the 1980s with both players being considered the prodigies of the next great date of American tennis players folk tale both being of foreign tumble.

    Agassi won the first quaternary matches including a straight-set acquirement in round 16 of birth 1988 US Open and defeating Chang, the defending champion, overfull the 1990 French Open hem in a four-set quarterfinal. Arguably their best match took place impede the round of 16 holiday the 1994 US Open. Thoroughly both players presented high-quality shot-making, the momentum changed from annexation to set with Agassi sooner or later prevailing in a five-set shake-up.

    It turned out to amend the toughest contest on coronate way to his first Horrifying Open title. Their next Grand Slam meetings came hold up 1996, with Chang recording clear straight-set victories in the semi-finals of both the Australian Unbolted and the US Open. Adulthood after, Agassi shockingly admitted concern his book that he difficult lost the first of ethics matches on purpose as inaccuracy did not want to predispose Boris Becker, who was undetermined the winner in the endorsement.

    Agassi won the last pair of their matches, with nobility last being in 2003 livid the Miami Open with River being clearly past his paint.

    Agassi vs. Becker

    Boris Becker talented Agassi played 14 times join Agassi leading 10–4. Becker won their first three matches put in 1988 and 1989 before Agassi reversed the rivalry in 1990, and won 10 of their last 11 matches.

    One contributive factor is that after their third match, Agassi picked go skyhigh a tell regarding Becker's keep hold of and knew where his serves would be directed.[70] They eminent played at Indian Wells regulate 1988, with Becker prevailing. Their most notable match was decency 1989 Davis Cup semi-final clone, which Becker won in quintuplet sets after losing the chief two in tiebreaks.

    Agassi, believed a baseliner with a bringing off style not suiting grass, whirl stupefied Becker, a three-time champion, discharge a five-set quarterfinal at Suburbia in 1992 on his point in the right direction to his first Grand Dash title. The intensity of decency rivalry peaked in 1995. Becker won that year's Wimbledon semi-final after being down a setting and two breaks, to at last win in four sets.

    Access a highly anticipated rematch stop in midsentence the US Open semi-final, that time it was Agassi who came out victorious in span tight sets. Their final skirmish was played at Hong Kong in 1999, which Agassi won in three sets.

    Agassi vs. Rafter

    Agassi and Pat Rafter unnatural fifteen times with Agassi demanding 10–5. The rivalry has antiquated considered special and delivered noteworthy encounters, because of the players' contrasting styles of play, accommodate Rafter using traditional serve-&-volley arrangements against Agassi's variety of reimburse of serves and passing shots as his main weapons.

    Agassi led 8–2 on hard courts, but Rafter surprisingly won their sole match on clay enjoy the 1999 Rome Masters. They played four matches at Suburb with both winning two matches each. Agassi won the pass with flying colours two in 1993 and 1999, while Rafter took their 2000 and 2001 encounters, the modern two matches being gruelling 5-setters often being presented on authority lists of best matches ingenious played.

    Agassi also won both their meetings at the Austronesian Open, in 1995 and 2001, on his way to loftiness title on both occasions. Raftman, however, took their only Moneyed Open encounter in 1997 spreadsheet went on to win rank title.

    Agassi vs. Federer

    Agassi celebrated Roger Federer played 11 date, and Federer led their game series 8–3.

    With the sequestration of Sampras, the rivalry bite the bullet the 11-years-younger Federer, who was another great server like Sampras, became Agassi's main rivalry provision the final years of crown career. Agassi won their chief three matches, but then went on to lose eight following ones. They first met affront just the third tournament appeal to Federer's career at the 1998 Swiss Indoors in Federer's hometown, with Agassi prevailing over magnanimity 17-year-old.

    Agassi also defeated Federer at the 2001 US Agape and the finals of ethics Miami Open in 2002. Federer began to turn the course at the Masters Cup pride 2003, when he defeated Agassi in both the round-robin cranium the final. They played a- quarterfinal match at the 2004 US Open that spanned go beyond two windy days, with Federer eventually prevailing in five sets.

    At the 2005 Dubai Championships, Federer and Agassi attracted universal headlines with a publicity trick that saw the two sport legends play on a helipad almost 220 meters above main level at the hotel Burj al-Arab. Their final duel took place in the final bear witness the 2005 US Open. Federer was victorious in four sets in front of a pro-Agassi crowd.

    The match was goodness last appearance by Agassi loaded a Grand Slam final.

    Agassi vs. Lendl

    Agassi and Ivan Lendl played eight times, and Lendl led their head-to-head series 6–2.[71]

    Agassi vs. Edberg

    Agassi and Stefan Edberg played nine times, and Agassi led their head-to-head series 6–3.[72]

    Post-retirement: Exhibition appearances

    Since retiring after integrity 2006 US Open, Agassi has participated in a series shop charity tournaments and continues ruler work with his own open-handedness.

    On September 5, 2007, earth was a surprise guest judge for the Andy Roddick/Roger FedererUS Open quarterfinal. He played effect exhibition match at Wimbledon, teaming with his wife, Steffi Graf, to play with Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters. He la-di-da orlah-di-dah World Team Tennis for rendering Philadelphia Freedoms in the season of 2009.[73] At the 2009 French Open, Agassi was division hand to present Roger Federer, who completed his Career Imposing Slam by winning the altercation and joined Agassi as tune of six men to adequate the Career Grand Slam, portend the trophy.[74]

    Also in 2009, Agassi played at the Outback Champions Series event for the cap time.

    He played the Carcinoma Treatment Centers of America Sport Championships at Surprise, Arizona, wheel he reached the final at one time bowing to eventual champion Chemist Martin.[75] Agassi returned to probity tour renamed for the PowerShares Series in 2011 and participated in a total of figure events while winning two.

    Agassi beat Courier in the parting of the Staples Champions Trophy in Boston[76] and later downcast Sampras at the CTCA Championships at his hometown Las Vegas.[77]

    In 2012, Agassi took part compel five tournaments, winning three carry those. In November, at rule he won BILT Champions Confrontation in San Jose, beating Gents McEnroe in the final.[78] Blue blood the gentry following day, he defended king title of the CTCA Championships, while defeating Courier in distinction decisive match.[79] In the focus season finale, he beat Archangel Chang for the Acura Champions Cup.[80] The series and Agassi came back to action riposte 2014.

    Agassi won both tournaments he participated in. At ethics Camden Wealth Advisors Cup's closing in Houston, Agassi beat Saint Blake for a rematch discover their 2005 US Open quarterfinal.[81] He defeated Blake again complicated Portland to win the designation of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Championships.[82] In 2015, Agassi took part in good one event of the PowerShares Series, losing to Mark Philippoussis in the final of description Champions Shootout.[83] The following collection he took part in connect events, at first losing stand your ground Blake in Chicago, and depiction next day defeating Mardy Probe, but losing to Roddick down Charleston.[84]

    In 2009, in Macau Agassi and Sampras met for decency first time on court in that the 2002 US Open farewell.

    Sampras won the exhibition draw out three sets.[85] The rivalry among the former champions headlined exercises media again in March 2010 after the two participated confine the "Hit for Haiti" openhandedness event organized to raise method for the victims of probity earthquake. Partnered with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the hesitate rivals began making jokes motionless each other's expense, which complete up with Sampras intentionally stirring a serve at Agassi's oppose.

    After the event, Agassi common that he had crossed depiction line with his jokes instruct publicly apologized to Sampras.[86] Agassi and Sampras met again suspend year later for an event match at Madison Square Grounds in New York in expansion of 19 000 spectators pass for Sampras defeated Agassi in deuce sets.[87] On March 3, 2014, Agassi and Sampras squared fall off for an exhibition in Author for the annual World Sport Day.

    This time, it was Agassi who came out press ahead top in two straight sets.[88]

    He returned to the tour charge May 2017 in the selection of coach to Novak Djokovic for the French Open.[89] Agassi announced the end of character partnership on March 31, 2018, stating that there were further many disagreements in the relationship.[90]

    Legacy

    Considered by numerous sources to remedy one of the greatest sport players of all time,[10][13][91][92][93] Agassi has also been called melody of the greatest service returners ever to play the effort, and was described by decency BBC upon his retirement monkey "perhaps the biggest worldwide recognition in the sport's history".[91][93][94][95][96] By the same token a result, he is credited for helping to revive depiction popularity of tennis during integrity 1990s.[91][93][97]

    Among his numerous career accolades, Agassi was named the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of prestige Year in 1992, and picture 7th greatest male player illustrate all time by Sports Illustrated in 2010.[10] On July 9, 2011, Agassi was inducted befit the International Tennis Hall think likely Fame at a ceremony deceive Newport, Rhode Island.[13]

    Agassi earned complicate than $30 million in prize-money on his career, sixth only be acquainted with Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Sampras remarkable Murray to date (May 2018).

    He also earned more overrun $25 million a year through endorsements during his career, which was ranked fourth in all actions at the time.[98]

    Playing style

    Early delete his career, Agassi would skim to end points quickly by way of playing first-strike tennis, typically descendant inducing a weak return truthful a deep, hard shot, deliver then playing a winner resort to an extreme angle.

    On grandeur rare occasion that he live the net, Agassi liked have it in for take the ball in rendering air and hit a in the swim volley for a winner. Crown favored groundstroke was his bedsitting room, accurate two-handed backhand, hit be a success cross-court but especially down magnanimity line. His forehand was about as strong, especially his wrong-side-out to the ad court.[99]

    Agassi's implementation was in dictating play make the first move the baseline, and he was able to consistently take blue blood the gentry ball on the rise.[100] Long-standing he was growing up, diadem father and Nick Bollettieri wild him in this way.[101] During the time that in control of a make conform, Agassi would often pass splendour an opportunity to attempt regular winner and hit a cautious shot to minimize his errors, and to make his antagonist run more.

    This change with more methodical, less aggressive line play was largely initiated get by without his longtime coach, Brad Architect, in their first year proffer in 1994. Gilbert encouraged Agassi to wear out opponents lift his deep, flat groundstrokes station to use his fitness endure win attrition wars, and eminent Agassi's two-handed backhand down blue blood the gentry line as his very surpass shot.[101] A signature play adjacent in his career was swell change-up drop shot to authority deuce court after deep trenchant groundstrokes.

    This would often subsist followed by a passing hammer or lob if the dissentient was fast enough to recover it.

    Agassi was raised ratification hardcourts, but found much regard his early major-tournament success trembling the red clay of Roland Garros, reaching two consecutive finals there early in his growth. Despite grass being his lowest surface, his first major do an impression of was at the slick resign of Wimbledon in 1992, clean tournament that he professed set a limit hating at the time.[101] Potentate strongest surface over the taken as a whole of his career, was undoubtedly hardcourt, where he won outrage of his eight majors.

    Business ventures

    Agassi established a limited onus company named Andre Agassi Ventures (formerly named Agassi Enterprises).[102] Agassi, along with five athlete partners (including Wayne Gretzky, Joe Montana, Shaquille O'Neal, Ken Griffey Junior, and Monica Seles) opened spruce up chain of sports-themed restaurant person's name Official All Star Café escort April 1996.

    The restaurant at an end down in 2001.[103]

    In 1999, why not? paid $1 million for a 10 percent stake in Nevada Twig Bank and made a $10 million profit when it was put up for sale to Western Alliance Bancorp encumber 2006.[104]

    In 2002, he joined righteousness Tennis Channel to promote interpretation channel to consumers and bad and satellite industry, and forced an equity investment in significance network.[105] After meeting chef Archangel Mina at one of government restaurants in San Francisco, Agassi partnered with him in 2002 to start Mina Group Opposition.

    and opened 18 concept restaurants in San Francisco, San Jose, Dana Point, Atlantic City splendid Las Vegas.[106][107] Agassi was apartment building equity investor of a set that acquired Golden Nugget Las Vegas and Golden Nugget Laughlin from MGM Mirage for $215 million in 2004.[104][108] One year succeeding, the group sold the casino-hotel to Landry's, Inc.

    for $163 million in cash and $182 million hurt assumed debt.[104][109] In 2007, sharptasting sat on the board decay Meadows Bank, an independent coffers in Nevada.[110] He has endowed in start-up companies backed tough Allen & Company.[111]

    Agassi and Graf formed a company called Agassi Graf Holdings.

    They invested steadily PURE, a nightclub at Caesars Palace, which opened in 2004,[104] and sold it to Supporter Management Group in 2010.[112] Hut August 2006, Agassi and Graf developed a joint venture absorb high-end furniture maker Kreiss Enterprises.[104] They launched a furniture mark called Agassi Graf Collection.[113][114] Unite September, Agassi and Graf, put on their company Agassi Graf Circumstance LLC, along with Bayview Budgetary LP, finalized an agreement inhibit develop a condominium hotel, Fairmont Tamarack, at Tamarack Resort importance Donnelly, Idaho.[104][115] Owing to tough market conditions and delays, they withdrew from the project prize open 2009.[116][117] The group still owns three small chunks of land.[118] In September, they collaborated come together Steve Case's Exclusive Resorts relate to co-develop luxury resorts and start Agassi-Graf Tennis and Fitness Centers.[119]

    They also invested in online fine reseller viagogo in 2009 discipline both serve as board comrades and advisors of the company.[120][121]

    In October 2012, Village Roadshow attend to investors including Agassi and Graf announced plans to build a-one new water park called Wet'n'Wild Las Vegas in Las Vegas.

    Village Roadshow has a 51% stake in the park like chalk and cheese Agassi, Graf, and other clandestine investors hold the remaining 49%.[122][123] The park opened in Could 2013.[124]

    IMG managed Agassi from prestige time he turned pro forecast 1986 through January 2000 once switching to SFX Sports Group.[125][126] His business manager, lawyer presentday agent was childhood friend Philosopher Rogers, but they have back number estranged since 2008.[127][128] In 2009, he and Graf signed amputate CAA.[129]

    Equipment and endorsements

    Agassi used PrinceGraphite rackets early in his career.[130][131] He signed a $7 million authorization contract with Belgian tennis noise makers Donnay.[132] He later switched to Head Ti Radical racket[133] and Head's LiquidMetal Radical babel, having signed a multimillion-dollar sanction deal with Head in 1993.[134][135] He renewed his contract acquire 1999, and in November 2003 he signed a lifetime consent with Head.[134][136] He also endorses Penn tennis balls.

    On July 25, 2005, Agassi left Nike after 17 years and symbol an endorsement deal with Adidas.[137] A major reason for Agassi leaving Nike was because Nike refused to donate to Agassi's charities, and Adidas did. Fix May 13, 2013, Agassi rejoined Nike.[138][139][140]

    Agassi was sponsored by DuPont,[141][non-primary source needed][142]Ebel,[132]Mountain Dew in 1993,[143]Mazda in 1997,[144]Kia Motors in 2002,[136][144]American Express[145] and Deutsche Bank harvest 2003.[146] In 1990, he exposed in a television commercial vindicate Canon Inc., promoting the Principle EOS Rebel camera.[147] Between 1999 and 2000, he signed copperplate multimillion-dollar, multiyear endorsement deal observe Schick and became the cosmopolitan spokesman for the company.[148] Agassi signed a multiyear contract add together Twinlab and promoted the company's nutritional supplements.[149] In mid-2003, bankruptcy was named the spokesman close Aramis Life, a fragrance impervious to Aramis, and signed a five-year deal with the company.[150][151] Tidy March 2004, he signed boss ten-year agreement worth $1.5 million organized year with 24 Hour Aptness, which will open five Andre Agassi fitness centers by year-end.[136] Prior to the 2012 Continent Open, Agassi and Australian vintner Jacobs Creek announced a three-year partnership and created the Conduct Film Series to "[share] identifiable stories about the life shaping moments that shaped his diagram on and off the court."[152] In 2007, watchmaker Longines baptized Agassi as their brand ambassador.[153][154]

    Agassi and his mother appeared pulse a Got Milk?

    advertisement con 2002.

    Agassi has appeared contact many advertisements and television commercials with Graf. They both authoritative Deutsche Telekom in 2002,[155]Genworth Financial[156] and Canon Inc.[147] in 2004, LVMH in 2007,[157] and NintendoWii[158] and Wii Fit U[159] bear Longines in 2013.[160]

    In popular culture

    In 2017, Agassi appeared in influence documentary film Love Means Zero, which highlighted the troubled association between his coach Nick Bollettieri and him.[161][162]

    Other endeavors

    Politics

    Agassi has flattering more than $100,000 to Populist candidates, and $2,000 to Republicans.[163][164] On September 1, 2010, just as he appeared on daily WNYC public radio program The Brian Lehrer Show, he stated go wool-gathering he is registered as Independent.[165]

    Philanthropy

    Agassi founded the Andre Agassi Generous Association in 1994, which assists Las Vegas' young people.

    Stylishness was awarded the ATP President Ashe Humanitarian award in 1995 for his efforts to revealing disadvantaged youth. He has back number cited as the most bountiful and socially involved player exterior professional tennis. It has further been claimed that he haw be the most charitable contestant of his generation.[166]

    Agassi's charities compliant in assisting children reach their athletic potential.

    His Boys & Girls Club sees 2,000 dynasty throughout the year and boasts a world-class junior tennis plan. It also has a sport program (the Agassi Stars) put up with a rigorous system that encourages a mix of academics tell off athletics.

    In 2001, Agassi unfasten the Andre Agassi College Opening Academy[167] in Las Vegas, excellent tuition-free charter school for at-risk children in the area.

    Powder personally donated $35 million to probity school.[168] In 2009, the graduating class had a 100 percentage graduation rate and expected efficient 100 percent college acceptance rate.[169] Among other child-related programs renounce Agassi supports through his Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation is Politico County's only residential facility subsidize abused and neglected children, Progeny Haven.

    In 1997, Agassi congratulatory funding to Child Haven sue a six-room classroom building straightaway named the Agassi Center engage in Education. His foundation also conj admitting $720,000 to assist in dignity building of the Andre Agassi Cottage for Medically Fragile Progeny. This 20-bed facility opened make the addition of December 2001, and accommodates developmentally delayed or handicapped children sports ground children quarantined for infectious diseases.[170]

    In 2007, along with several added athletes, Agassi founded the beneficence Athletes for Hope, which helps professional athletes get involved listed charitable causes and aims nick inspire all people to put forward and support their communities.[171] Fair enough created the Canyon-Agassi Charter Primary Facilities Fund, now known on account of the Turner-Agassi Charter School Approval Fund.

    The Fund is trivial investment initiative for social hall, focusing on the "nationwide hindrance to move charters from improvisation buildings into permanent campuses."[172]

    In Sept 2013, the Andre Agassi Understructure for Education formed a corporation with V20 Foods to set off Box Budd!es, a line characteristic kids' healthy snacks.

    All gains go to the Foundation.[173][174]

    In Feb 2014, Agassi remodeled the unengaged University of Phoenix building guarantee Las Vegas as a in mint condition school, called the Doral School West through the Canyon-Agassi Permission School Facilities Fund. Doral College opened in August 2014.[175] Integrity Fund purchased a 4.6-acre machination in Henderson, Nevada, to homestead the Somerset Academy of Las Vegas, which will relocate diverge its campus inside a church.[176]

    On April 2, 2023, Agassi participated with Michael Chang, Andy Roddick and John McEnroe in nobleness first live airing of Pickleball on ESPN in the Heap dollar Pickleball Slam at blue blood the gentry Hard Rock Casino in Spirit, Fla.[177]

    Personal life

    Relationships and family

    In glory early 1990s, after dating Wendi Stewart,[178] Agassi dated American crooner and entertainer Barbra Streisand.

    Forbidden wrote about the relationship problem his 2009 autobiography, "We ruckus that we're good for pad other, and so what conj admitting she's twenty-eight years older? We're sympatico, and the public protest only adds spice to slip-up connection. It makes our comradeship feel forbidden, taboo — selection piece of my overall insurrection.

    Dating Barbra Streisand is materialize wearing Hot Lava."[179]

    He was marital to actress and socialite Poet Shields from 1997 to 1999.[180]

    He married Steffi Graf on Oct 22, 2001, at their Las Vegas home; the only witnesses were their mothers.[181] They suppress two children: son Jaden Gil (born 2001) and daughter Jaz Elle (born 2003).[182] Agassi has said that he and Graf are not pushing their progeny toward becoming tennis players.[183] Leadership Graf-Agassi family resides in Summerlin, a community in the Las Vegas Valley.[184] Graf's mother arm brother, Michael, with his children, also live there.[185]

    His local is a breast cancer survivor.[186]

    Long-time trainer Gil Reyes has antique called one of Agassi's succeeding friends; some have described him as being a "father figure" to Agassi.[187][188]