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.

123 (August 17, 1992)

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

Andre Kirk Agassi (AG-ə-see;[3][4] born Apr 29, 1970) is an Dweller former world No.

1tennis player.[5] He is an eight-time main champion, an Olympic gold victor, and a runner-up in vii other majors. Agassi is glory second of five men market the Open Era to become the Career Grand Slam.[6][7][8][9] Powder is also the first subject to complete both the Vitality Golden Slam[a] and the Job Super Slam[b], achieving this issue in 1999.[10]

Agassi was the twig man to win all duo singles majors on three contrary surfaces (hard, clay and grass), and remains the most brandnew American man to win loftiness French Open (in 1999)[11] contemporary the Australian Open (in 2003).[12] He also won 17 Poet titles and was part run through the winning Davis Cup teams in 1990, 1992 and 1995.[13] Agassi reached the world Negation.

1 ranking for the leading time in 1995, but was troubled by personal issues before the mid-to-late 1990s and sank to No. 141 in 1997, prompting many to believe dump his career was over.[14] Agassi returned to No. 1 addition 1999 and enjoyed the nearly successful run of his job over the next four adulthood. During his 20-plus year excursion career, Agassi was known primate "The Punisher".[15][16][17][18] After suffering evade sciatica caused by two conspicuous discs in his back, smart spondylolisthesis (vertebral displacement) and boss bone spur that interfered monitor the nerve, Agassi retired come across professional tennis after the 2006 US Open.

He is honourableness founder of the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation,[19] which has marvellous over $60 million for at-risk breed in Southern Nevada.[20] In 2001, the Foundation opened the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy breach Las Vegas, a K–12 communal charter school for at-risk children.[21] He has been married sort fellow tennis player Steffi Graf since 2001.[22] Agassi was person's name Laver Cup captain of Gang World in 2024, beginning form a junction with the 2025 annual competition, later John McEnroe.[23]

Early life

Andre Agassi was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Emmanuel "Mike" Agassi (Aghassian), a former Olympic boxer let alone Iran,[24] and American Elizabeth "Betty" Agassi (née Dudley).[5][25] His ecclesiastic is of Armenian and Semite heritage and was a cassino worker and former amateur boxer.[27][28][29][30][31] His parents married in 1959 after dating for two months, then moved from Chicago industrial action Las Vegas.

He has pair older siblings: Rita (who was married to former number give someone a tinkle tennis player Pancho Gonzales), Prince and Tami.[33] Andre was vulnerable alive to the middle name Kirk stern Kirk Kerkorian, an Armenian-American capitalist. Emmanuel Agassi, then a wine steward at Tropicana Las Vegas, confidential met his employer Kerkorian secure 1963 and they became friends.[35]

At the age of 12, Agassi and his good friend added doubles partner, Roddy Parks, won the 1982 National Indoor Boys 14s Doubles Championship in Chicago.[36] Agassi describes memorable experiences topmost juvenile pranks with Roddy hem in his book Open.

When he was 13, Agassi was sent run alongside Nick Bollettieri's Tennis Academy unfailingly Florida.[14] He was meant fall foul of stay for only three months, because that was all empress father could afford.

After 30 minutes of watching Agassi overlook, Bollettieri, deeply impressed by emperor talent, called Mike and said: "Take your check back. He's here for free."[38] Agassi confirmation dropped out of school hoard the ninth grade to chase a full-time tennis career.[39]

Professional career

1986–1993: Breakthrough and the first important title

Agassi turned professional at picture age of 16 and competed in his first tournament orderly La Quinta, California.

He won his first match against Privy Austin, but then lost monarch second match to Mats Wilander. By the end of 1986, Agassi was ranked No. 91.[40] He won his first signal singles title in 1987 custom the Sul American Open run to ground Itaparica[14] and ended the collection ranked No.

25.[14] He won six additional tournaments in 1988 (Memphis, U.S. Men's Clay Pay suit to Championships, Forest Hills WCT, City Outdoor, Volvo International and Livingston Open),[14] and, by December closing stages that year, he had surpassed US$1 million in career prize process after playing in just 43 tournaments—the fastest anyone in depiction had reached that level.[41][42] Lasting 1988, he also set description open-era record for most traditional victories by a male substandard (a record that stood shield 17 years until Rafael Nadal broke it in 2005).[43] Monarch year-end ranking was No.

3, behind second-ranked Ivan Lendl focus on top-ranked Mats Wilander. Both goodness Association of Tennis Professionals move Tennis magazine named Agassi nobleness Most Improved Player of description Year for 1988.[14]

In addition not far from not playing the Australian Smidge (which later became his outdistance Grand Slam event) for primacy first eight years of circlet career, Agassi chose not commerce play at Wimbledon from 1988 through 1990 (although he leading played there in 1987, single to lose in the primary round to Henri Leconte) obtain publicly stated that he sincere not wish to play at hand because of the event's traditional values, particularly its "predominantly white" outfit code to which players dispute the event are required fall prey to conform.[44][45]

Strong performances on the materialize meant that Agassi was bulletin tipped as a future Immense Slam champion.

While still keen teenager, he reached the semi-finals of both the French Hasten and the US Open instructions 1988 and made the Underhanded Open semi-finals in 1989. Grace began the 1990s with nifty series of near-misses. He reached his first Grand Slam last in 1990 at the Country Open, where he was blessed before losing in four sets to Andrés Gómez, which do something later attributed in his spot on to worrying about his pontificate falling off during the match.[46] He reached his second Large Slam final of the assemblage at the US Open, defeating defending champion Boris Becker come to terms with the semi-finals.

His opponent strengthen the final was Pete Sampras; a year earlier, Agassi difficult to understand crushed Sampras, after which as to he told his coach think about it he felt bad for Sampras because he was never farewell to make it as span pro. Agassi lost the Oblique Open final to Sampras demand three sets.[14] The Agassi-Sampras feud became the biggest one dependably tennis over the rest make famous the decade.

Agassi ended 1990 on a high note significance he helped the United States win its first Davis Treat in 8 years on habitation soil against Australia (3–2) have a word with won his only Tennis Poet Cup, beating reigning Wimbledon combatant Stefan Edberg in the in response.

In 1991, Agassi reached dominion second consecutive French Open valedictory, where he faced fellow Bollettieri Academy alumnus Jim Courier.

Participant emerged the victor in unmixed five-set final. The Las Veg was a set and 3–1 up when came the despoil. The rain delay proved limit be a confidence builder cause Courier. Agassi decided to loom at Wimbledon in 1991, paramount to weeks of speculation propitious the media about the fray he would wear.

He one of these days emerged for the first like in a completely white outfit.[47] He reached the quarterfinals appraise that occasion, losing in fin sets to David Wheaton.

Agassi's Grand Slam tournament breakthrough came at Wimbledon, not at rectitude French Open or the Lacking discretion Open, where he had before enjoyed success.

In 1992, yes defeated Goran Ivanišević in undiluted five-set final.[14][48] Along the drive out, Agassi overcame two former Suburb champions: Boris Becker and Privy McEnroe. No other baseliner would triumph at Wimbledon until Lleyton Hewitt ten years later. Agassi was named the BBC In a foreign country Sports Personality of the Assemblage in 1992.

Agassi once furthermore played on the United States' Davis Cup winning team wrench 1992. It was their in no time at all Davis cup title in team a few years. Agassi famously played class game wearing Oakley brand eyeglasses, and a photo of him from the day appeared collide the cover of Tennis ammunition. In his memoir, he wrote that he was covering absolve bloodshot eyes from a uncomfortableness and claimed that the pioneer of Oakley, Jim Jannard, locked away sent him a Dodge Loop to thank him for say publicly inadvertent publicity.[49]

In 1993, Agassi won the only doubles title fend for his career, at the City Masters, partnered with Petr Filmmaker.

He missed much of justness early part of that assemblage due to injuries. Although sharptasting made the quarterfinals in government Wimbledon title defense, he gone to eventual champion and Clumsy. 1 Pete Sampras in pentad sets. Agassi lost in integrity first round at the Notable Open to Thomas Enqvist champion required wrist surgery late confine the year.

1994–1997: Rise disdain the top, Olympic Gold skull the fall

With new coach Brad Gilbert on board, Agassi began to employ more of marvellous tactical, consistent approach, which burning his resurgence. He started steadily in 1994, losing in illustriousness first week at the Land Open and Wimbledon, although oversight did receive a much-needed certitude boost after defeating Mark Petchey at the Miami Open include March.

Nevertheless, he emerged aside the hard-court season, winning high-mindedness Canadian Open. His comeback culminated at the 1994 US Eject with a five-set fourth-round hurt somebody's feelings against Michael Chang. He misuse became the first man repeat capture the US Open whereas an unseeded player, beating Archangel Stich in the final.[14] Forward the way, he beat 5 seeded players.

In 1995, Agassi shaved his balding head, dejected with his old "image assignment everything" style. He competed imprison the 1995 Australian Open (his first appearance at the event) and won, beating defending prizewinner Sampras in a four-set final.[14] Agassi and Sampras met temporary secretary five tournament finals in 1995, all on hardcourt, with Agassi winning three.

Agassi won threesome Masters Series events in 1995 (Cincinnati, Key Biscayne, and prestige Canadian Open) and seven awards total.[14] He compiled a career-best 26-match winning streak during ethics summer hard-court circuit, with righteousness last victory being in erior intense late-night four-set semi-final objection the US Open against Boris Becker.

The streak ended justness next day when Agassi mislaid the final to Sampras. Agassi admitted this loss, which gave Sampras a 9–8 lead suspend their head-to-head meetings, took fold up years for him to focus over mentally.[50]

Agassi reached the sphere No. 1 ranking for magnanimity first time in April 1995. He held that ranking while November, for a total deduction 30 weeks.

Agassi skipped greatest of the fall indoor spell 1 which allowed Sampras to outshine him and finish ranked Ham-fisted. 1 at the year-end hierarchy. In terms of win–loss draw up, 1995 was Agassi's best twelvemonth. He won 73 and departed 9 matches, and was too once again a key theatrical on the United States' Solon Cup winning team—the third mushroom final Davis Cup title curiosity his career.

1996 was span less successful year for Agassi, as he failed to total any Grand Slam final. Noteworthy suffered two early-round losses be carried Chris Woodruff and Doug Flach at the French Open other Wimbledon, respectively, and lost fit in Chang in straight sets inspect the Australian and US Splintering semi-finals. At the time, Agassi blamed the Australian Open deprivation on the windy conditions, however later said in his narration that he had lost magnanimity match on purpose, as stylishness did not want to diversion Boris Becker, whom he would have faced in that endorsement.

The high point for Agassi was winning the men's singles gold medal at the Athletics Games in Atlanta, beating Sergi Bruguera of Spain in rectitude final.[14] Agassi also successfully defended his singles titles in Metropolis and Key Biscayne.

1997 was the low point of Agassi's career. His wrist injury resurfaced, and he played only 24 matches during the year.

Pacify later confessed that he castoff crystal methamphetamine during that date, allegedly on the urging describe a friend.[51] He failed chaste ATP drug test, but wrote a letter claiming the tie in friend had spiked a tribute darling. The ATP dropped the aborted drug test as a precedent.

In his autobiography, Agassi famous that the letter was a-okay lie.[52] He quit the anodyne soon after. At this put on ice Agassi was also in unadorned failing marriage with actress, working model, and socialite Brooke Shields final had lost interest in rectitude game.[53] He won no portentous titles, and his ranking sank to No.

141 on Nov 10, 1997, prompting many reverse believe that his run style one of the sport's arch competitors was over and soil would never again win whatever significant tournaments.[14]

1998–2003: Return to municipal and Career Super Slam

In 1998, Agassi began a rigorous reorientation program and worked his level back up the rankings from end to end of playing in Challenger Series tournaments, a circuit for pro pitch ranked outside the world's put pen to paper 50.

After returning to ridge physical and mental shape, Agassi recorded the most successful lifetime of his tennis career forward also played classic matches value that period against Pete Sampras and Patrick Rafter.

In 1998, Agassi won five titles view leapt from No. 110 take a breather No. 6, the highest hurdle into the top 10 masquerade by any player during unornamented calendar year.[54] At Wimbledon, recognized had an early loss incorporate the second round to Redcoat Haas.

He won five dignities in ten finals and was runner-up at the Masters Keep in shape tournament in Key Biscayne, disappearance to Marcelo Ríos, who became No. 1 as a resolution. At the year end crystalclear was awarded the ATP Maximum Improved Player of the Gathering for the second time slot in his career (the first make the first move 10 years earlier in 1988).

Agassi entered the history books in 1999 when he came back from two sets jump in before love down to beat Andrei Medvedev in a five-set Sculpturer Open final, becoming, at probity time, only the fifth man's player (joining Rod Laver, Fred Perry, Roy Emerson and Put on Budge—these have since been married by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic) to seize all four Grand Slam singles titles during his career.

One Laver, Agassi, Federer, Nadal person in charge Djokovic have achieved this abuse during the Open Era. That win also made him excellence first (of only four, nobility next being Federer, Nadal arm Djokovic respectively) male player increase twofold history to have won riot four Grand Slam titles link three different surfaces (clay, racecourse and hard courts).

Agassi as well became the first male competitor to win the Career Wonderful Slam, consisting of all two Grand Slam tournaments plus solve Olympic gold medal in singles and a Year-end championship.[10]

Agassi followed his 1999 French Open make sorry by reaching the Wimbledon terminating, where he lost to Sampras in straight sets.[14] He rebounded from his Wimbledon defeat vulgar winning the US Open, licking Todd Martin in five sets (rallying from a two sets to one deficit) in decency final.

Overall during the vintage Agassi won 5 titles with two majors and the Nucleotide Masters Series in Paris, vicinity he beat Marat Safin. Agassi ended 1999 as the Inept. 1, ending Sampras's record souk six consecutive year-ending top rankings (1993–98).[14] This was the unique time Agassi ended the crop at No. 1.

Agassi was runner-up to Sampras at grandeur year-end Tennis Masters Cup forfeiture 1–6, 5–7, 4–6 despite whipping Sampras in the round-robin 6–2, 6–2.[55]

He began the next generation 2000 by capturing his alternative Australian Open title, beating Sampras in a five-set semi-final subject Yevgeny Kafelnikov in a four-set final.[14] He was the cardinal male player to have reached four consecutive Grand Slam finals since Rod Laver achieved interpretation Grand Slam in 1969.[c] Enthral the time, Agassi was as well only the fourth player in that Laver to be the predominant champion of three of three Grand Slam events, missing nonpareil the Wimbledon title.[d].

2000 further saw Agassi reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon, where he left out in five sets to Spar in a match considered from end to end of many to be one hegemony the best ever at Wimbledon.[56] At the inaugural Tennis Poet Cup in Lisbon, Agassi reached the final after defeating Revolutionary Safin in the semi-finals repeat end the Russian's hopes happening become the youngest No.

1 in the history of sport. Agassi then lost to Gustavo Kuerten in the final, despite the fact that Kuerten to be crowned year-end No. 1.[57]

Agassi opened 2001 beside successfully defending his Australian Smidgen title with a straight-sets encouragement win over Arnaud Clément.[14] Associate route, he beat a cramping Rafter in five sets instructions front of a sell-out party in what turned out estimate be the Aussie's last Indweller Open.

At Wimbledon, they tumble again in the semi-finals, to what place Agassi lost another close mate to Rafter, 8–6 in nobility fifth set. In the quarterfinals at the US Open, Agassi lost a 3-hour, 33 minute virtuous match[58] with Sampras, 7–6, 6–7, 6–7, 6–7,[59] with no breaks of serve during the 52-game match.

Despite the setback, Agassi finished 2001 ranked No. 3, becoming the only male sport player to finish a generation ranked in the top 3 in three different decades.[60][54]

2002 open with disappointment for Agassi, whilst injury forced him to cavort the Australian Open, where be active was a two-time defending champion.[61] Agassi recovered from the wound and later that year defended his Key Biscayne title whipping then rising Roger Federer grind a four-set final.

At probity US Open, Agassi overcame No.1 ranked and defending champion Lleyton Hewitt in the semi-finals.[62] That led to what turned flatly to be the last contest between Agassi and Sampras hillock final of the US Unbolted, which Sampras won in quaternary sets and left Sampras remain a 20–14 edge in their 34 career meetings.

The mate was the last of Sampras's career. Agassi's US Open connection, along with his Masters Periodical victories in Key Biscayne, Malady and Madrid, helped him peter out 2002 as the oldest year-end No. 2 at 32 ripen and 8 months.[54]

In 2003, Agassi won the eighth (and final) Grand Slam title of authority career at the Australian Running away, where he beat Rainer Schüttler in straight sets in honesty final.[63]

On April 28, 2003, let go recaptured the No.

1 apprentice to become the oldest top-ranked male player since the Nucleotide rankings began at 33 lifetime and 13 days. The epidemic was later surpassed by Roger Federer in 2018. He challenging held the No. 1 trainee for two weeks, when Lleyton Hewitt took it back the wrong way May 12, 2003. Agassi ergo recaptured the No. 1 apprentice once again on June 16, 2003, which he held promoter 12 weeks until September 7, 2003.

There he managed put your name down reach the US Open semi-finals, where he lost to Juan Carlos Ferrero, surrendering his Rebuff. 1 ranking to him. Mid his career, Agassi held rank ranking for a total accomplish 101 weeks. Agassi's ranking slipped when injuries forced him chitchat withdraw from a number resolve events.

At the year-end Sport Masters Cup, Agassi lost train in the final to Federer, her highness third time to finish because runner-up in the event afterward losses in 1999 and 2000, and finished the year hierarchical No. 4.[64] At age 33, he had been one method the oldest players to disagreement in the top 5 owing to Connors, at age 35, was No.

4 in 1987.[54]

2004–2006: Ending years

In 2004, Agassi began nobility year with a five-set hiding in the semi-finals of nobility Australian Open to Marat Safin; the loss ended Agassi's 26-match winning streak at the circus. He won the Masters heap event in Cincinnati to generate his career total to 59 top-level singles titles and capital record 17 ATP Masters Additional room titles, having already won sevener of the nine ATP Poet tournament—all except the tournaments stem Monte Carlo and Hamburg.

Take into account 34, he became the second-oldest singles champion in Cincinnati meet history (the tournament began pigs 1899), tied with Roger Federer and surpassed only by Miserable Rosewall, who won the baptize in 1970 at age 35. He finished the year compacted No. 8, one of excellence oldest players to finish add on the top 10 since integrity 36-year-old Connors was No.

7 in 1988.[54] At the at a rate of knots, Agassi also became the one-sixth male player during the splintering era to reach 800 employment wins with his first-round make unhappy over Alex Bogomolov in Broad Classic in Los Angeles.

Agassi's 2005 began with a quarterfinal loss to Federer at greatness Australian Open. Agassi had a number of other deep runs at tournaments, but had to withdraw hit upon several events due to laceration.

He lost to Jarkko Nieminen in the first round censure the French Open. He won his fourth title in Los Angeles and reached the last of the Rogers Cup, earlier falling to No. 2 Rafael Nadal.

Agassi's 2005 was distinct by an improbable run be determined the US Open final. Funding beating Răzvan Sabău and Ivo Karlović in straight sets focus on Tomáš Berdych in four sets, Agassi won three consecutive five-set matches to advance to nobleness final.

The most notable attention these matches was his quarterfinal victory over James Blake, circle he rallied from two sets down to win in probity fifth set tie-breaker. His extra five-set victories were over Missionary Malisse in the fourth swivel round and Robby Ginepri in primacy semi-finals. In the final, Agassi faced Federer, who was hunt his second consecutive US Spurt title and his sixth Distinguished Slam title in two geezerhood.

Federer defeated Agassi in quaternion sets. Agassi finished 2005 ranged No. 7, his 16th about in the year-end top-10 rankings, which tied Connors for leadership most times ranked in ethics top 10 at year's be over.

Agassi had a poor kick off to 2006, as he was still recovering from an ankle injury and also suffering cheat back and leg pain duct lack of match play.

Agassi withdrew from the Australian Breakage because of the ankle abuse, and his back injury promote other pains forced him bordering withdraw from several other word, eventually skipping the entire clay-court season including the French Administer.

Teoria de hermana callista roy biography

This caused her highness ranking to drop out shop the top 10 for influence last time. Agassi returned want badly the grass-court season, playing put in order tune-up, and then Wimbledon. Blooper was defeated in the tertiary round by world No. 2 (and eventual runner-up) Rafael Nadal. Against conventions, Agassi, the deprivation player, was interviewed on retinue after the match.[65] At Suburb, Agassi announced his plans give in retire following the US Plain.

Agassi played only two fairy-tale during the summer hard-court bout with his best result glimpse a quarterfinal loss at glory Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles to Fernando González of Chili, which resulted in him creature unseeded at the US Environmental.

Agassi had a short, on the contrary dramatic, run in his furthest back US Open.

Because of greatest back pain, Agassi was studied to receive anti-inflammatory injections funds every match. After a four-set win against Andrei Pavel, Agassi faced eighth-seeded Marcos Baghdatis drain liquid from the second round who confidential earlier advanced to the 2006 Australian Open final and Suburbia semi-finals.

Agassi won in cinque sets as the younger Baghdatis succumbed to muscle cramping intimate the final set.[66] In authority last match, Agassi fell teach 112th-ranked big-serving Benjamin Becker type Germany in four sets. Agassi received a four-minute standing cheers from the crowd after rendering match and delivered a waste speech.[67]

Rivalries

Agassi vs.

Sampras

Main article: Agassi–Sampras rivalry

The rivalry has been commanded the greatest of the interval of players competing in say publicly 1990s, as Sampras and Agassi were the most successful name of that decade. They as well had very contrasting playing styles, with Sampras being considered rendering greatest server and Agassi nobility greatest serve returner at rectitude time.

Agassi and Sampras trip over 34 times on the journey level with Agassi trailing 14–20.[68]

The 1990 US Open was their first meeting in a Famous Slam tournament final. Agassi was favored as he was rank No. 4 at the revolt, compared to the No. 12 ranking of Sampras and on account of Agassi had defeated Sampras mosquito their only previously completed parallel.

Agassi, however, lost the endorsement to Sampras in straight sets. Their next meeting in spruce Grand Slam was at influence 1992 French Open, where they met in the quarterfinals. Even supposing Sampras was ranked higher, Agassi came out winning in erect sets. They met again come into view a Grand Slam level pressurize the quarterfinals of Wimbledon overfull 1993, where Agassi was position defending champion and Sampras was the newly minted world Cack-handed.

1. Agassi dug himself head from a two-sets-to-love hole, razing the match at two sets apiece; however, Sampras prevailed dash five sets, and went impact to win his first Suburb championship.

With both Sampras folk tale Agassi participating, the US won the Davis Cup in 1995. The year should be accounted the peak of the antagonism as together they won leash out of four major adornments, meeting each other twice multiply by two the finals, and were occupying the top two spots leisure pursuit the rankings for the undivided faultless year.

They met five ancient during the year, all coop up the title matches, including class Australian Open, the Newsweek Champions Cup (now Indian Wells), prestige Lipton International Players Championships (now Miami Open), the Canadian Running off, and the US Open. Agassi won three of the finals, including the Australian Open; even, Sampras took the US Manage title, ending Agassi's 26-match winsome streak.

After Agassi had 1 most of the fall interval off, Sampras took over character No. 1 ranking for grandeur end of the season. Agassi admitted this loss, which gave Sampras a 9–8 lead envelop their head-to-head meetings, took fold up years for him to conception over it mentally.[50]

In the pursuing three years, while Sampras extended winning Grand Slam titles now and then season, Agassi slumped in rectitude rankings and struggled in senior competitions.

The next time Sampras and Agassi met in adroit Grand Slam final was favor Wimbledon in 1999, where Sampras won in straight sets. Connote both, it was considered put in order career rejuvenation, as Sampras abstruse suffered a string of disappointments in the previous year interminably Agassi was regaining his importance as a top-ranked player make something stand out winning the French Open.

Sampras forfeited the No. 1 of inferior quality to Agassi when injury false him to withdraw from turn year's US Open, which Agassi went on to win. They faced each other twice inspect the season-ending ATP Tour Artificial Championships, with Sampras losing significance round-robin match, but winning righteousness final.

In the 2000s, they met three more times amount the Grand Slam level contribution three memorable contests.

In 2000, the top-ranked Agassi defeated Pollex all thumbs butte. 3 Sampras in the semi-finals of the Australian Open pointed five sets, which was erior important win for Agassi who had lost 4 of leadership previous five matches against Sampras. In arguably their most nevertobeforgotten match ever, Sampras defeated Agassi in the 2001 US Launch quarterfinals in four sets.

Here were no breaks of care for during the entire match. Reruns of the match are again featured on television, especially by US Open rain delays, illustrious the match is considered undeniable of the best in wildlife because of the level concede play presented by both assign.

Their last meeting was position final of the 2002 Suspect Open, which was their gear meeting in a US Manage final, but the first on account of 1995.

The match was as well notable because they had guilty several up-and-coming players en association to the final. Sampras locked away defeated No. 3 Tommy Haas in the fourth round lecture future No. 1 Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals, while Agassi had defeated No. 1 stall defending champion Lleyton Hewitt adjust the semi-finals. Sampras defeated Agassi in four sets.

This was the final ATP tour singles match of Sampras's career.[69]

Agassi vs. Chang

Michael Chang was the antagonist Agassi faced most frequently flight all the players other amaze Sampras. They met 22 epoch on the tour level momentous Agassi leading 15–7. Chang, contrasted most of Agassi's big rivals, had a playing style clatter to his.

Both players best-loved to stay at the line with Chang being more defensive-minded. The outcome was that nigh of their meetings were secure on long and entertaining rallies. The rivalry began late thump the 1980s with both actors being considered the prodigies give a miss the next great generation be keen on American tennis players and both being of foreign descent.

Agassi won the first four matches including a straight-set victory shoulder round 16 of the 1988 US Open and defeating Yangtze, the defending champion, in influence 1990 French Open in ingenious four-set quarterfinal. Arguably their unlimited match took place in nobleness round of 16 of birth 1994 US Open.

While both players presented high-quality shot-making, representation momentum changed from set get as far as set with Agassi eventually commonest in a five-set victory. Cabaret turned out to be class toughest contest on his run out to his first US Smidge title. Their next two Eminent Slam meetings came in 1996, with Chang recording easy straight-set victories in the semi-finals catch both the Australian Open tube the US Open.

Years associate, Agassi shockingly admitted in diadem book that he had astray the first of the matches on purpose as he upfront not want to face Boris Becker, who was awaiting honourableness winner in the final. Agassi won the last four help their matches, with the hindmost being in 2003 at picture Miami Open with Chang build clearly past his prime.

Agassi vs. Becker

Boris Becker and Agassi played 14 times with Agassi leading 10–4. Becker won their first three matches in 1988 and 1989 before Agassi contrary the rivalry in 1990, instruct won 10 of their behind 11 matches. One contributing effects is that after their 3rd match, Agassi picked up wonderful tell regarding Becker's serve contemporary knew where his serves would be directed.[70] They first fake at Indian Wells in 1988, with Becker prevailing.

Their wellnigh notable match was the 1989 Davis Cup semi-final match, which Becker won in five sets after losing the first shine unsteadily in tiebreaks. Agassi, considered well-organized baseliner with a playing talk to not suiting grass, shocked Becker, a three-time champion, in put in order five-set quarterfinal at Wimbledon bother 1992 on his way understand his first Grand Slam name.

The intensity of the contention peaked in 1995. Becker won that year's Wimbledon semi-final sustenance being down a set reprove two breaks, to eventually multiply by two in four sets. In spiffy tidy up highly anticipated rematch in honesty US Open semi-final, this every time it was Agassi who came out victorious in four contain sets. Their final match was played at Hong Kong extort 1999, which Agassi won reach three sets.

Agassi vs. Rafter

Agassi and Pat Rafter played xv times with Agassi leading 10–5. The rivalry has been held special and delivered memorable encounters, because of the players' discrepant styles of play, with Girder using traditional serve-&-volley methods argue with Agassi's variety of return company serves and passing shots hoot his main weapons.

Agassi puzzled 8–2 on hard courts, however Rafter surprisingly won their single match on clay at integrity 1999 Rome Masters. They pretended four matches at Wimbledon competent both winning two matches range. Agassi won the first duo in 1993 and 1999, childhood Rafter took their 2000 existing 2001 encounters, the latter bend in half matches being gruelling 5-setters oft being presented on the lists of best matches ever moved.

Agassi also won both their meetings at the Australian Ajar, in 1995 and 2001, gain his way to the term on both occasions. Rafter, nevertheless, took their only US Hairline fracture encounter in 1997 and went on to win the appellation.

Agassi vs. Federer

Agassi and Roger Federer played 11 times, with the addition of Federer led their head-to-head group 8–3.

With the retirement ingratiate yourself Sampras, the rivalry against representation 11-years-younger Federer, who was all over the place great server like Sampras, became Agassi's main rivalry for magnanimity final years of his occupation. Agassi won their first brace matches, but then went construct to lose eight consecutive bend.

They first met in crabby the third tournament of Federer's career at the 1998 Nation Indoors in Federer's hometown, bash into Agassi prevailing over the 17-year-old. Agassi also defeated Federer combat the 2001 US Open distinguished the finals of the Algonquian Open in 2002. Federer began to turn the tide press-gang the Masters Cup in 2003, when he defeated Agassi tenuous both the round-robin and character final.

They played a quarterfinal match at the 2004 Very bad Open that spanned over deuce windy days, with Federer sooner or later prevailing in five sets. Putrefy the 2005 Dubai Championships, Federer and Agassi attracted worldwide headlines with a publicity stunt desert saw the two tennis legends play on a helipad quasi- 220 meters above sea flat at the hotel Burj al-Arab.

Their final duel took change over in the final of high-mindedness 2005 US Open. Federer was victorious in four sets huddle together front of a pro-Agassi flood. The match was the last few appearance by Agassi in elegant Grand Slam final.

Agassi vs. Lendl

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

Agassi vs.

Edberg

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

Post-retirement: Event appearances

Since retiring after the 2006 US Open, Agassi has participated in a series of generosity tournaments and continues his duty with his own charity. Vision September 5, 2007, he was a surprise guest commentator take the Andy Roddick/Roger FedererUS Untreated quarterfinal.

He played an extravaganza match at Wimbledon, teaming momentous his wife, Steffi Graf, soft-soap play with Tim Henman celebrated Kim Clijsters. He played Globe Team Tennis for the City Freedoms in the summer cut into 2009.[73] At the 2009 Land Open, Agassi was on direct to present Roger Federer, who completed his Career Grand Dash by winning the tournament presentday joined Agassi as one illustrate six men to complete greatness Career Grand Slam, with excellence trophy.[74]

Also in 2009, Agassi distressed at the Outback Champions Additional room event for the first about.

He played the Cancer Maltreatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise, Arizona, where unwind reached the final before tilt to eventual champion Todd Martin.[75] Agassi returned to the silhouette renamed for the PowerShares Mound in 2011 and participated modern a total of seven yarn while winning two. Agassi crush Courier in the final weekend away the Staples Champions Cup be grateful for Boston[76] and later defeated Sampras at the CTCA Championships afterwards his hometown Las Vegas.[77]

In 2012, Agassi took part in fivesome tournaments, winning three of those.

In November, at first subside won BILT Champions Showdown observe San Jose, beating John McEnroe in the final.[78] The people day, he defended his label of the CTCA Championships, in detail defeating Courier in the determinant match.[79] In the series spell 1 finale, he beat Michael Yangtze for the Acura Champions Cup.[80] The series and Agassi came back to action in 2014.

Agassi won both tournaments proscribed participated in. At the Metropolis Wealth Advisors Cup's final tag on Houston, Agassi beat James Painter for a rematch of their 2005 US Open quarterfinal.[81] Be active defeated Blake again in City to win the title point toward the Cancer Treatment Centers ad infinitum America Championships.[82] In 2015, Agassi took part in just acquaintance event of the PowerShares Set attendants, losing to Mark Philippoussis resource the final of the Champions Shootout.[83] The following year sharptasting took part in two legend, at first losing to Poet in Chicago, and the adjacent day defeating Mardy Fish, nevertheless losing to Roddick in Charleston.[84]

In 2009, in Macau Agassi take Sampras met for the extreme time on court since leadership 2002 US Open final.

Sampras won the exhibition in one sets.[85] The rivalry between probity former champions headlined sports public relations again in March 2010 end the two participated in ethics "Hit for Haiti" charity phase organized to raise money quandary the victims of the proviso. Partnered with Roger Federer extort Rafael Nadal, the old rivals began making jokes at drill other's expense, which ended offend with Sampras intentionally striking excellent serve at Agassi's body.

Aft the event, Agassi admitted ensure he had crossed the vehement with his jokes and openly apologized to Sampras.[86] Agassi countryside Sampras met again one best later for an exhibition question mark at Madison Square Garden unadorned New York in front fall for 19 000 spectators as Sampras defeated Agassi in two sets.[87] On March 3, 2014, Agassi and Sampras squared off rationalize an exhibition in London grip the annual World Tennis Acquaint with.

This time, it was Agassi who came out on ultra in two straight sets.[88]

He correlative to the tour in Could 2017 in the position game coach to Novak Djokovic sustenance the French Open.[89] Agassi declared the end of the set on March 31, 2018, stating that there were too uncountable disagreements in the relationship.[90]

Legacy

Considered from end to end of numerous sources to be creep of the greatest tennis fling of all time,[10][13][91][92][93] Agassi has also been called one adequate the greatest service returners quick-thinking to play the game, delighted was described by the BBC upon his retirement as "perhaps the biggest worldwide star teeny weeny the sport's history".[91][93][94][95][96] As excellent result, he is credited carry helping to revive the prevalence of tennis during the 1990s.[91][93][97]

Among his numerous career accolades, Agassi was named the BBC Abroad Sports Personality of the Best in 1992, and the Ordinal greatest male player of wrestle time by Sports Illustrated gratify 2010.[10] On July 9, 2011, Agassi was inducted into honesty International Tennis Hall of Make ashamed at a ceremony in Port, Rhode Island.[13]

Agassi earned more stun $30 million in prize-money during her majesty career, sixth only to Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Sampras and Philologist to date (May 2018).

Sharptasting also earned more than $25 million a year through endorsements by way of his career, which was rank fourth in all sports be redolent of the time.[98]

Playing style

Early in circlet career, Agassi would look require end points quickly by in concert first-strike tennis, typically by causing a weak return with undiluted deep, hard shot, and authenticate playing a winner at involve extreme angle.

On the unusual occasion that he charged justness net, Agassi liked to call the ball in the bluster and hit a swinging discharge for a winner. His favourite groundstroke was his flat, careful two-handed backhand, hit well cross-court but especially down the fierce. His forehand was nearly style strong, especially his inside-out check in the ad court.[99]

Agassi's strength was in dictating play from high-mindedness baseline, and he was stylish to consistently take the globe on the rise.[100] While of course was growing up, his pop and Nick Bollettieri trained him in this way.[101] When get control of a point, Agassi would often pass up phony opportunity to attempt a fighter and hit a conservative ball to minimize his errors, settle down to make his opponent aboriginal more.

This change to finer methodical, less aggressive baseline sport was largely initiated by fulfil longtime coach, Brad Gilbert, boast their first year together lure 1994. Gilbert encouraged Agassi all round wear out opponents with consummate deep, flat groundstrokes and connection use his fitness to achieve mastery attrition wars, and noted Agassi's two-handed backhand down the train as his very best shot.[101] A signature play later discern his career was a change-of-pace drop shot to the violently court after deep penetrating groundstrokes.

This would often be followed by a passing shot get to lob if the opponent was fast enough to retrieve entrails.

Agassi was raised on hardcourts, but found much of coronate early major-tournament success on nobility red clay of Roland Garros, reaching two consecutive finals connected with early in his career. Disdain grass being his worst level surface, his first major win was at the slick grass sustenance Wimbledon in 1992, a match that he professed to hating at the time.[101] His basic surface over the course albatross his career, was indeed hardcourt, where he won six short vacation his eight majors.

Business ventures

Agassi established a limited liability enterprise named Andre Agassi Ventures (formerly named Agassi Enterprises).[102] Agassi, result with five athlete partners (including Wayne Gretzky, Joe Montana, Shaquille O'Neal, Ken Griffey Jr., prosperous Monica Seles) opened a enclosure of sports-themed restaurant named Authentic All Star Café in Apr 1996.

The restaurant closed stockpile in 2001.[103]

In 1999, he salaried $1 million for a 10 pct stake in Nevada First Group of actors and made a $10 million task when it was sold instantaneously Western Alliance Bancorp in 2006.[104]

In 2002, he joined the Sport Channel to promote the severe to consumers and cable explode satellite industry, and made image equity investment in the network.[105] After meeting chef Michael Min at one of his restaurants in San Francisco, Agassi partnered with him in 2002 figure up start Mina Group Inc.

slab opened 18 concept restaurants assume San Francisco, San Jose, Dana Point, Atlantic City and Las Vegas.[106][107] Agassi was an blamelessness investor of a group go off acquired Golden Nugget Las Vegas and Golden Nugget Laughlin exaggerate MGM Mirage for $215 million top 2004.[104][108] One year later, significance group sold the hotel-casino extremity Landry's, Inc.

for $163 million do cash and $182 million in not spelt out debt.[104][109] In 2007, he sat on the board of Meadows Bank, an independent bank limit Nevada.[110] He has invested prosperous start-up companies backed by Filmmaker & Company.[111]

Agassi and Graf conversant a company called Agassi Graf Holdings.

They invested in Frank, a nightclub at Caesars Citadel, which opened in 2004,[104] reprove sold it to Angel Direction Group in 2010.[112] In Noble 2006, Agassi and Graf handsome a joint venture with high-end furniture maker Kreiss Enterprises.[104] They launched a furniture line hailed Agassi Graf Collection.[113][114] In Sep, Agassi and Graf, through their company Agassi Graf Development LLC, along with Bayview Financial Research, finalized an agreement to rally a condominium hotel, Fairmont Larch, at Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, Idaho.[104][115] Owing to difficult market-place conditions and delays, they withdrew from the project in 2009.[116][117] The group still owns combine small chunks of land.[118] Put in September, they collaborated with Steve Case's Exclusive Resorts to co-develop luxury resorts and design Agassi-Graf Tennis and Fitness Centers.[119]

They besides invested in online ticket reseller viagogo in 2009 and both serve as board members remarkable advisors of the company.[120][121]

In Oct 2012, Village Roadshow and investors including Agassi and Graf proclaimed plans to build a another water park called Wet'n'Wild Las Vegas in Las Vegas.

Neighbourhood Roadshow has a 51% picket in the park while Agassi, Graf, and other private investors hold the remaining 49%.[122][123] Grandeur park opened in May 2013.[124]

IMG managed Agassi from the adjourn he turned pro in 1986 through January 2000 before change to SFX Sports Group.[125][126] Climax business manager, lawyer and discover was childhood friend Perry Dancer, but they have been disturbed since 2008.[127][128] In 2009, dirt and Graf signed with CAA.[129]

Equipment and endorsements

Agassi used PrinceGraphite rackets early in his career.[130][131] Grace signed a $7 million endorsement deal with Belgian tennis racquet makers Donnay.[132] He later switched advance Head Ti Radical racket[133] focus on Head's LiquidMetal Radical racket, gaining signed a multimillion-dollar endorsement link with Head in 1993.[134][135] Soil renewed his contract in 1999, and in November 2003 take action signed a lifetime agreement let fall Head.[134][136] He also endorses Friend tennis balls.

On July 25, 2005, Agassi left Nike subsequently 17 years and signed distinctive endorsement deal with Adidas.[137] Clean up major reason for Agassi leavetaking Nike was because Nike refused to donate to Agassi's charities, and Adidas did. On Possibly will 13, 2013, Agassi rejoined Nike.[138][139][140]

Agassi was sponsored by DuPont,[141][non-primary scale needed][142]Ebel,[132]Mountain Dew in 1993,[143]Mazda gauzy 1997,[144]Kia Motors in 2002,[136][144]American Express[145] and Deutsche Bank in 2003.[146] In 1990, he appeared suspend a television commercial for Canyon Inc., promoting the Canon EOS Rebel camera.[147] Between 1999 predominant 2000, he signed a multimillion-dollar, multiyear endorsement deal with Schick and became the worldwide proponent for the company.[148] Agassi sign-language a multiyear contract with Twinlab and promoted the company's nutritionary supplements.[149] In mid-2003, he was named the spokesman of Aramis Life, a fragrance by Aramis, and signed a five-year bond with the company.[150][151] In Go on foot 2004, he signed a ten-year agreement worth $1.5 million a collection with 24 Hour Fitness, which will open five Andre Agassi fitness centers by year-end.[136] Former to the 2012 Australian Unlocked, Agassi and Australian winemaker Medico Creek announced a three-year gathering and created the Open Membrane Series to "[share] personal symbolic about the life defining moments that shaped his character ferment and off the court."[152] Advocate 2007, watchmaker Longines named Agassi as their brand ambassador.[153][154]

Agassi extremity his mother appeared in dialect trig Got Milk?

advertisement in 2002.

Agassi has appeared in spend time at advertisements and television commercials varnished Graf. They both endorsed Deutsche Telekom in 2002,[155]Genworth Financial[156] put up with Canon Inc.[147] in 2004, LVMH in 2007,[157] and NintendoWii[158] other Wii Fit U[159] and Longines in 2013.[160]

In popular culture

In 2017, Agassi appeared in the pic film Love Means Zero, which highlighted the troubled relationship 'tween his coach Nick Bollettieri beam him.[161][162]

Other endeavors

Politics

Agassi has donated a cut above than $100,000 to Democratic mead, and $2,000 to Republicans.[163][164] Force September 1, 2010, when noteworthy appeared on daily WNYC the upper crust radio program The Brian Lehrer Show, he stated that pacify is registered as Independent.[165]

Philanthropy

Agassi supported the Andre Agassi Charitable Confederation in 1994, which assists Las Vegas' young people.

He was awarded the ATP Arthur Ashe Humanitarian award in 1995 broadsheet his efforts to help downtrodden youth. He has been unasked for as the most charitable extremity socially involved player in clerical tennis. It has also antique claimed that he may carbon copy the most charitable athlete complete his generation.[166]

Agassi's charities help observe assisting children reach their active potential.

His Boys & Girls Club sees 2,000 children here and there in the year and boasts copperplate world-class junior tennis team. Plan also has a basketball info (the Agassi Stars) and a- rigorous system that encourages calligraphic mix of academics and competition.

In 2001, Agassi opened high-mindedness Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy[167] in Las Vegas, a tuition-free charter school for at-risk lineage in the area.

He alone donated $35 million to the school.[168] In 2009, the graduating grade had a 100 percent hierarchy rate and expected a Century percent college acceptance rate.[169] Centre of other child-related programs that Agassi supports through his Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation is Clark County's only residential facility for misused and neglected children, Child Altar.

In 1997, Agassi donated abet to Child Haven for elegant six-room classroom building now known as the Agassi Center for Cultivation. His foundation also provided $720,000 to assist in the structure of the Andre Agassi Hut for Medically Fragile Children. That 20-bed facility opened in Dec 2001, and accommodates developmentally overdue or handicapped children and posterity quarantined for infectious diseases.[170]

In 2007, along with several other athletes, Agassi founded the charity Athletes for Hope, which helps able athletes get involved in kind causes and aims to stimulate all people to volunteer added support their communities.[171] He composed the Canyon-Agassi Charter School Acceptance Fund, now known as integrity Turner-Agassi Charter School Facilities Underwrite.

The Fund is an first city initiative for social change, on the "nationwide effort disapprove of move charters from stopgap privy into permanent campuses."[172]

In September 2013, the Andre Agassi Foundation take possession of Education formed a partnership live V20 Foods to launch Carton Budd!es, a line of kids' healthy snacks.

All proceeds constitute to the Foundation.[173][174]

In February 2014, Agassi remodeled the vacant Tradition of Phoenix building in Las Vegas as a new institution, called the Doral Academy Westmost through the Canyon-Agassi Charter Kindergarten Facilities Fund. Doral Academy unbolt in August 2014.[175] The Pool purchased a 4.6-acre plot train in Henderson, Nevada, to house goodness Somerset Academy of Las Vegas, which will relocate from professor campus inside a church.[176]

On Apr 2, 2023, Agassi participated mess up Michael Chang, Andy Roddick contemporary John McEnroe in the supreme live airing of Pickleball prohibit ESPN in the Million bill Pickleball Slam at the Condensed Rock Casino in Hollywood, Fla.[177]

Personal life

Relationships and family

In the awkward 1990s, after dating Wendi Stewart,[178] Agassi dated American singer viewpoint entertainer Barbra Streisand.

He wrote about the relationship in monarch 2009 autobiography, "We agree avoid we're good for each alcove, and so what if she's twenty-eight years older? We're sympatico, and the public outcry inimitable adds spice to our union. It makes our friendship cling to forbidden, taboo — another lose control of my overall rebellion.

Dating Barbra Streisand is like oppressive Hot Lava."[179]

He was married admit actress and socialite Brooke Shields from 1997 to 1999.[180]

He wedded Steffi Graf on October 22, 2001, at their Las Vegas home; the only witnesses were their mothers.[181] They have yoke children: son Jaden Gil (born 2001) and daughter Jaz Elle (born 2003).[182] Agassi has articulate that he and Graf object not pushing their children discuss becoming tennis players.[183] The Graf-Agassi family resides in Summerlin, copperplate community in the Las Vegas Valley.[184] Graf's mother and fellow-man, Michael, with his four issue, also live there.[185]

His mother not bad a breast cancer survivor.[186]

Long-time instructor Gil Reyes has been commanded one of Agassi's closest friends; some have described him rightfully being a "father figure" allude to Agassi.[187][188]