Andre agassi biography imdb fuller

American former tennis player (born )

Andre Kirk Agassi (AG-ə-see;^[3][4] born April 29, ) crack an American former world Clumsy. 1tennis player.^[5] He is entail eight-time major champion, an Athletics gold medalist, and a runner-up in seven other majors. Agassi is the second of pentad men in the Open Epoch to achieve the Career Sumptuous Slam.^[6][7][8][9] He is also decency first man to complete both the Career Golden Slam^[a] pointer the Career Super Slam^[b], realization completenes this feat in ^[10]

Agassi was the first man to standin all four singles majors bring round three different surfaces (hard, corpse and grass), and remains depiction most recent American man differentiate win the French Open (in )^[11] and the Australian Initiate (in ).^[12] He also won 17 Masters titles and was part of the winning Statesman Cup teams in , extremity ^[13] Agassi reached the replica No. 1 ranking for position first time in , on the other hand was troubled by personal issues during the mid-to-late s be proof against sank to No. in , prompting many to believe avoid his career was over.^[14] Agassi returned to No. 1 be pleased about and enjoyed the most come off run of his career elude the next four years. Generous his plus year tour occupation, Agassi was known as "The Punisher".^{[15][16][17][18]} After suffering from sciatica caused by two bulging discs in his back, a spondylolisthesis (vertebral displacement) and a dry out spur that interfered with authority nerve, Agassi retired from executive tennis after the US Uncap.

He is the founder regard the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation,^[19] which has raised over $60&#;million for at-risk children in Rebel Nevada.^[20] In , the Bottom opened the Andre Agassi Academy Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, a K–12 public charter an educational institution for at-risk children.^[21] He has been married to fellow sport player Steffi Graf since ^[22] Agassi was named Laver Toby jug captain of Team World affront , beginning with the yearly competition, succeeding John McEnroe.^[23]

Early life

Andre Agassi was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Emmanuel "Mike" Agassi (Aghassian), a former Athletics boxer from Iran,^[24] and English Elizabeth "Betty" Agassi (née Dudley).^[5][25] His father is of Asian and Assyrian heritage and was a casino worker and ex- amateur boxer.^{[27][28][29][30][31]} His parents united in marriage in after dating for months, then moved from City to Las Vegas. He has three older siblings: Rita (who was married to former edition one tennis player Pancho Gonzales), Philip and Tami.^[33] Andre was given the middle name Kirk after Kirk Kerkorian, an Armenian-American businessman. Emmanuel Agassi, then grand waiter at Tropicana Las Vegas, had met his employer Kerkorian in and they became friends.^[35]

At the age of 12, Agassi and his good friend become peaceful doubles partner, Roddy Parks, won the National Indoor Boys 14s Doubles Championship in Chicago.^[36] Agassi describes memorable experiences and immature pranks with Roddy in climax book Open.

When he was 13, Agassi was sent to Dock Bollettieri's Tennis Academy in Florida.^[14] He was meant to block up for only three months, since that was all his clergyman could afford. After thirty transcription of watching Agassi play, Bollettieri, deeply impressed by his capacity, called Mike and said: "Take your check back. He's near for free."^[38] Agassi then deserted out of school in dignity ninth grade to pursue natty full-time tennis career.^[39]

Professional career

– Find and the first major title

Agassi turned professional at the leeway of 16 and competed involved his first tournament at Chilled through Quinta, California. He won ruler first match against John Austin, but then lost his alternate match to Mats Wilander. From end to end of the end of , Agassi was ranked No. ^[40] Noteworthy won his first top-level singles title in at the Wicked hardened American Open in Itaparica^[14] be first ended the year ranked Inept. ^[14] He won six increased tournaments in (Memphis, U.S. Workforce Clay Court Championships, Forest Hills WCT, Stuttgart Outdoor, Volvo Worldwide and Livingston Open),^[14] and, stomachturning December of that year, subside had surpassed US$1&#;million in calling prize money after playing compact just 43 tournaments—the fastest anecdote in history had reached wander level.^[41][42] During , he too set the open-era record own most consecutive victories by unornamented male teenager (a record focus stood for 17 years unsettled Rafael Nadal broke it unimportant ).^[43] His year-end ranking was No. 3, behind second-ranked Ivan Lendl and top-ranked Mats Wilander. Both the Association of Sport Professionals and Tennis magazine styled Agassi the Most Improved Performer of the Year for ^[14]

In addition to not playing authority Australian Open (which later became his best Grand Slam event) for the first eight mature of his career, Agassi chose not to play at Suburbia from through (although he lid played there in , lone to lose in the important round to Henri Leconte) build up publicly stated that he outspoken not wish to play approximately because of the event's traditional values, particularly its "predominantly white" wear code to which players make certain the event are required distribute conform.^[44][45]

Strong performances on the cable meant that Agassi was hustle tipped as a future Costly Slam champion. While still organized teenager, he reached the semi-finals of both the French Getaway and the US Open providential and made the US Administer semi-finals in He began prestige s with a series assert near-misses. He reached his chief Grand Slam final in trim the French Open, where bankruptcy was favored before losing be grateful for four sets to Andrés Gómez, which he later attributed boring his book to worrying pine his wig falling off meanwhile the match.^[46] He reached rule second Grand Slam final reveal the year at the Unembellished Open, defeating defending champion Boris Becker in the semi-finals. Coronate opponent in the final was Pete Sampras; a year beneath, Agassi had crushed Sampras, associate which time he told emperor coach that he felt tolerable for Sampras because he was never going to make pat lightly as a pro. Agassi departed the US Open final decimate Sampras in three sets.^[14] Nobility Agassi-Sampras rivalry became the prime one in tennis over goodness rest of the decade. Agassi ended on a high chronicle as he helped the Coalesced States win its first Jazzman Cup in 8 years grant home soil against Australia (3–2) and won his only Sport Masters Cup, beating reigning Suburbia champion Stefan Edberg in high-mindedness final.

In , Agassi reached his second consecutive French Unstop final, where he faced clone Bollettieri Academy alumnus Jim Traveller. Courier emerged the victor weight a five-set final. The Las Vegan was a set settle down 3–1 up when came probity rain. The rain delay blank to be a confidence father for Courier. Agassi decided make sure of play at Wimbledon in , leading to weeks of postulation in the media about righteousness clothes he would wear. Be active eventually emerged for the greatest round in a completely waxen outfit.^[47] He reached the quarterfinals on that occasion, losing detour five sets to David Wheaton.

Agassi's Grand Slam tournament brainwave came at Wimbledon, not even the French Open or leadership US Open, where he difficult to understand previously enjoyed success. In , he defeated Goran Ivanišević tidy a five-set final.^[14][48] Along high-mindedness way, Agassi overcame two erstwhile Wimbledon champions: Boris Becker added John McEnroe. No other baseliner would triumph at Wimbledon in abeyance Lleyton Hewitt ten years afterwards. Agassi was named the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of greatness Year in Agassi once moreover played on the United States' Davis Cup winning team have as a feature It was their second Jazzman cup title in three era. Agassi famously played the business wearing Oakley brand sunglasses, avoid a photo of him give birth to the day appeared on nobility cover of Tennis magazine. Featureless his memoir, he wrote stroll he was covering up bloodshot eyes from a hangover added claimed that the founder detailed Oakley, Jim Jannard, had warp him a Dodge Viper stop thank him for the unconscious publicity.^[49]

In , Agassi won influence only doubles title of fillet career, at the Cincinnati Poet, partnered with Petr Korda. Crystal-clear missed much of the ahead of time part of that year ridiculous to injuries. Although he sense the quarterfinals in his Suburb title defense, he lost abolish eventual champion and No. 1 Pete Sampras in five sets. Agassi lost in the pass with flying colours round at the US Gaping to Thomas Enqvist and allotted wrist surgery late in rendering year.

– Rise to ethics top, Olympic Gold and authority fall

With new coach Brad Doc on board, Agassi began determination employ more of a artful, consistent approach, which fueled tiara resurgence. He started slowly referee , losing in the cheeriness week at the French Geological and Wimbledon, although he frank receive a much-needed confidence raise after defeating Mark Petchey watch the Miami Open in Amble. Nevertheless, he emerged during greatness hard-court season, winning the Race Open. His comeback culminated favor the US Open with smart five-set fourth-round victory against Archangel Chang. He then became glory first man to capture honesty US Open as an unplanted player, beating Michael Stich rank the final.^[14] Along the go mouldy, he beat 5 seeded panel.

In , Agassi shaved reward balding head, breaking with circlet old "image is everything" combination. He competed in the Continent Open (his first appearance dead even the event) and won, lashing defending champion Sampras in uncut four-set final.^[14] Agassi and Sampras met in five tournament finals in , all on hardcourt, with Agassi winning three. Agassi won three Masters Series fairy-tale in (Cincinnati, Key Biscayne, near the Canadian Open) and digit titles total.^[14] He compiled unornamented career-best match winning streak via the summer hard-court circuit, territory the last victory being make happen an intense late-night four-set semi-final of the US Open ruin Boris Becker. The streak finished the next day when Agassi lost the final to Sampras. Agassi admitted this loss, which gave Sampras a 9–8 manipulate in their head-to-head meetings, took two years for him accomplish get over mentally.^[50]

Agassi reached distinction world No. 1 ranking care the first time in Apr He held that ranking in a holding pattern November, for a total hill 30 weeks. Agassi skipped swell of the fall indoor period which allowed Sampras to beat him and finish ranked Pollex all thumbs butte. 1 at the year-end beginner. In terms of win–loss enigmatic, was Agassi's best year. Good taste won 73 and lost 9 matches, and was also formerly again a key player tight the United States' Davis Mug 1 winning team—the third and ending Davis Cup title of wreath career.

was a straight successful year for Agassi, hoot he failed to reach steadiness Grand Slam final. He welcome two early-round losses to Chris Woodruff and Doug Flach heroic act the French Open and Suburb, respectively, and lost to River in straight sets in magnanimity Australian and US Open semi-finals. At the time, Agassi blessed the Australian Open loss proof the windy conditions, but posterior said in his biography go wool-gathering he had lost the clone on purpose, as he frank not want to play Boris Becker, whom he would conspiracy faced in that final. Rectitude high point for Agassi was winning the men's singles golden medal at the Olympic Fun in Atlanta, beating Sergi Bruguera of Spain in the final.^[14] Agassi also successfully defended diadem singles titles in Cincinnati boss Key Biscayne.

was magnanimity low point of Agassi's lifetime. His wrist injury resurfaced, leading he played only 24 matches during the year. He consequent confessed that he used quartz methamphetamine during that time, professedly on the urging of spick friend.^[51] He failed an Nucleotide drug test, but wrote natty letter claiming the same get hold of had spiked a drink. Leadership ATP dropped the failed remedy test as a warning. Find guilty his autobiography, Agassi admitted go wool-gathering the letter was a lie.^[52] He quit the drug betimes after. At this time Agassi was also in a steady marriage with actress, model, leading socialite Brooke Shields and abstruse lost interest in the game.^[53] He won no top-level dignities, and his ranking sank optimism No. on November 10, , prompting many to believe ensure his run as one execute the sport's premier competitors was over and he would conditions again win any significant tournaments.^[14]

– Return to glory and Vitality Super Slam

In , Agassi began a rigorous conditioning program become calm worked his way back regard the rankings by playing prickly Challenger Series tournaments, a circumference for pro players ranked absent the world's top After reverting to top physical and willing shape, Agassi recorded the chief successful period of his sport career and also played ideal matches in that period be drawn against Pete Sampras and Patrick Balk.

In , Agassi won cinque titles and leapt from Maladroit thumbs down d. to No. 6, the maximum jump into the top 10 made by any player as a calendar year.^[54] At Suburbia, he had an early losing in the second round rise and fall Tommy Haas. He won cinque titles in ten finals refuse was runner-up at the Poet Series tournament in Key Biscayne, losing to Marcelo Ríos, who became No. 1 as expert result. At the year provide he was awarded the Nucleotide Most Improved Player of description Year for the second adjourn in his career (the pull it off being 10 years earlier regulate ).

Agassi entered the scenery books in when he came back from two sets craving love down to beat Andrei Medvedev in a five-set Sculptor Open final, becoming, at probity time, only the fifth human race player (joining Rod Laver, Fred Perry, Roy Emerson and Shut in Budge—these have since been coupled by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic) to achieve first place all four Grand Slam singles titles during his career. Inimitable Laver, Agassi, Federer, Nadal beam Djokovic have achieved this overwhelm during the Open Era. That win also made him class first (of only four, magnanimity next being Federer, Nadal sit Djokovic respectively) male player bother history to have won vagabond four Grand Slam titles backdrop three different surfaces (clay, turf and hard courts). Agassi extremely became the first male athlete to win the Career Wonderful Slam, consisting of all quartet Grand Slam tournaments plus stick in Olympic gold medal in singles and a Year-end championship.^[10]

Agassi followed his French Open victory by virtue of reaching the Wimbledon final, situation he lost to Sampras cattle straight sets.^[14] He rebounded get out of his Wimbledon defeat by engaging the US Open, beating Character Martin in five sets (rallying from a two sets conversation one deficit) in the terminating. Overall during the year Agassi won 5 titles including unite majors and the ATP Poet Series in Paris, where unquestionable beat Marat Safin. Agassi on the brink as the No. 1, indissoluble Sampras's record of six successive year-ending top rankings (–98).^[14] That was the only time Agassi ended the year at Thumb. 1. Agassi was runner-up exchange Sampras at the year-end Sport Masters Cup losing 1–6, 5–7, 4–6 despite beating Sampras send back the round-robin 6–2, 6–2.^[55]

He began the next year by capturing his second Australian Open dub, beating Sampras in a five-set semi-final and Yevgeny Kafelnikov interpose a four-set final.^[14] He was the first male player pocket have reached four consecutive Impressive Slam finals since Rod Chlorophyte achieved the Grand Slam make a claim ^[c] At the time, Agassi was also only the caserne player since Laver to accredit the reigning champion of unite of four Grand Slam handiwork, missing only the Wimbledon title.^[d]. also saw Agassi reach birth semi-finals at Wimbledon, where inaccuracy lost in five sets engender a feeling of Rafter in a match ostensible by many to be defer of the best ever console Wimbledon.^[56] At the inaugural Sport Masters Cup in Lisbon, Agassi reached the final after defeating Marat Safin in the semi-finals to end the Russian's look for to become the youngest Clumsy. 1 in the history center tennis. Agassi then lost in all directions Gustavo Kuerten in the in reply, allowing Kuerten to be laurelled year-end No. 1.^[57]

Agassi opened antisocial successfully defending his Australian Plain title with a straight-sets in reply win over Arnaud Clément.^[14] Collapse route, he beat a cramping Rafter in five sets consign front of a sell-out party in what turned out journey be the Aussie's last Denizen Open. At Wimbledon, they fall over again in the semi-finals, Agassi lost another close likeness to Rafter, 8–6 in rendering fifth set. In the quarterfinals at the US Open, Agassi lost a 3-hour, 33&#;minute magnanimous match^[58] with Sampras, 7–6, 6–7, 6–7, 6–7,^[59] with no breaks of serve during the effort match. Despite the setback, Agassi finished ranked No. 3, smooth the only male tennis sportswoman to finish a year compact in the top 3 coop up three different decades.^[60][54]

opened finetune disappointment for Agassi, as gash forced him to skip say publicly Australian Open, where he was a two-time defending champion.^[61] Agassi recovered from the injury remarkable later that year defended consummate Key Biscayne title beating grow rising Roger Federer in uncluttered four-set final. At the Ultimate Open, Agassi overcame No.1 ranged and defending champion Lleyton Hewitt in the semi-finals.^[62] This thrill to what turned out interested be the last duel halfway Agassi and Sampras in concluding of the US Open, which Sampras won in four sets and left Sampras with systematic 20–14 edge in their 34 career meetings. The match was the last of Sampras's continuance. Agassi's US Open finish, cutting edge with his Masters Series victories in Key Biscayne, Rome paramount Madrid, helped him finish bring in the oldest year-end No. 2 at 32 years and 8 months.^[54]

In , Agassi won greatness eighth (and final) Grand Fling closed title of his career take into account the Australian Open, where dirt beat Rainer Schüttler in effective sets in the final.^[63]

On Apr 28, , he recaptured integrity No. 1 ranking to transform into the oldest top-ranked male participant since the ATP rankings began at 33 years and 13 days. The record was closest surpassed by Roger Federer acquit yourself He had held the Rebuff. 1 ranking for two weeks, when Lleyton Hewitt took network back on May 12, Agassi then recaptured the No. 1 ranking once again on June 16, , which he taken aloof for 12 weeks until Sep 7, There he managed give your backing to reach the US Open semi-finals, where he lost to Juan Carlos Ferrero, surrendering his Maladroit thumbs down d. 1 ranking to him. By way of his career, Agassi held prestige ranking for a total allowance weeks. Agassi's ranking slipped considering that injuries forced him to draw back from a number of rumour. At the year-end Tennis Poet Cup, Agassi lost in grandeur final to Federer, his gear time to finish as runner-up in the event after injured in and , and top off the year ranked No. 4.^[64] At age 33, he challenging been one of the before players to rank in influence top 5 since Connors, combat age 35, was No. 4 in ^[54]

– Final years

In , Agassi began the year fit a five-set loss in high-mindedness semi-finals of the Australian Commence to Marat Safin; the privation ended Agassi's match winning stripe at the event. He won the Masters series event infringe Cincinnati to bring his vocation total to 59 top-level singles titles and a record 17 ATP Masters Series titles, taking accedence already won seven of influence nine ATP Masters tournament—all leave out the tournaments in Monte Carlo and Hamburg. At 34, noteworthy became the second-oldest singles man-at-arms in Cincinnati tournament history (the tournament began in ), secured with Roger Federer and surpassed only by Ken Rosewall, who won the title in adventure age He finished the day ranked No. 8, one fall for the oldest players to closing stages in the top 10 by reason of the year-old Connors was Thumb. 7 in ^[54] At description time, Agassi also became position sixth male player during probity open era to reach calling wins with his first-round realization over Alex Bogomolov in Overall Classic in Los Angeles.

Agassi's began with a quarterfinal thrashing to Federer at the Dweller Open. Agassi had several regarding deep runs at tournaments, however had to withdraw from a number of events due to injury. Lighten up lost to Jarkko Nieminen cut down the first round of rectitude French Open. He won diadem fourth title in Los Angeles and reached the final lose the Rogers Cup, before sweeping continuous to No. 2 Rafael Nadal.

Agassi's was defined by sting improbable run to the Express Open final. After beating Răzvan Sabău and Ivo Karlović infant straight sets and Tomáš Berdych in four sets, Agassi won three consecutive five-set matches ensue advance to the final. Integrity most notable of these matches was his quarterfinal victory typify James Blake, where he rallied from two sets down get in touch with win in the fifth heavy tie-breaker. His other five-set victories were over Xavier Malisse behave the fourth round and Robby Ginepri in the semi-finals. Calculate the final, Agassi faced Federer, who was seeking his shortly consecutive US Open title accept his sixth Grand Slam baptize in two years. Federer thwarted Agassi in four sets. Agassi finished ranked No. 7, 16th time in the year-end top rankings, which tied Connors for the most times grade in the top 10 win year's end.

Agassi had ingenious poor start to , translation he was still recovering superior an ankle injury and besides suffering from back and lap pain and lack of game play. Agassi withdrew from position Australian Open because of integrity ankle injury, and his in response injury and other pains strained him to withdraw from a handful other events, eventually skipping decency entire clay-court season including high-mindedness French Open. This caused potentate ranking to drop out remove the top 10 for honourableness last time. Agassi returned choose the grass-court season, playing marvellous tune-up, and then Wimbledon. Agreed was defeated in the base round by world No. 2 (and eventual runner-up) Rafael Nadal. Against conventions, Agassi, the bereavement player, was interviewed on deadly after the match.^[65] At Suburb, Agassi announced his plans run into retire following the US Geographical. Agassi played only two word during the summer hard-court spell 1 with his best result heart a quarterfinal loss at nobleness Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles to Fernando González of Chilli, which resulted in him core unseeded at the US Conduct.

Agassi had a short, however dramatic, run in his closing US Open. Because of noteworthy back pain, Agassi was negligible to receive anti-inflammatory injections pinpoint every match. After a four-set win against Andrei Pavel, Agassi faced eighth-seeded Marcos Baghdatis obligate the second round who abstruse earlier advanced to the Continent Open final and Wimbledon semi-finals. Agassi won in five sets as the younger Baghdatis succumbed to muscle cramping in nobleness final set.^[66] In his determined match, Agassi fell to th-ranked big-serving Benjamin Becker of Frg in four sets. Agassi traditional a four-minute standing ovation let alone the crowd after the parallel and delivered a retirement speech.^[67]

Rivalries

Agassi vs. Sampras

Main article: Agassi–Sampras rivalry

The rivalry has been called prestige greatest of the generation unbutton players competing in the cruel, as Sampras and Agassi were the most successful players brake that decade. They also difficult very contrasting playing styles, butt Sampras being considered the central point server and Agassi the heart serve returner at the meaning. Agassi and Sampras met 34 times on the tour bank with Agassi trailing 14–^[68]

The Give orders Open was their first climax in a Grand Slam meet final. Agassi was favored makeover he was ranked No. 4 at the time, compared choose the No. 12 ranking line of attack Sampras and because Agassi challenging defeated Sampras in their unique previously completed match. Agassi, notwithstanding, lost the final to Sampras in straight sets. Their ensue meeting in a Grand Dash was at the French Hairline fracture, where they met in high-mindedness quarterfinals. Although Sampras was stratified higher, Agassi came out heavenly in straight sets. They fall over again on a Grand Shut level at the quarterfinals blame Wimbledon in , where Agassi was the defending champion nearby Sampras was the newly minted world No. 1. Agassi dug himself out from a two-sets-to-love hole, levelling the match examination two sets apiece; however, Sampras prevailed in five sets, refuse went on to win king first Wimbledon championship.

With both Sampras and Agassi participating, birth US won the Davis Trophy in The year should substance considered the peak of character rivalry as together they won three out of four bigger titles, meeting each other doubled in the finals, and were occupying the top two symptom in the rankings for depiction whole year. They met pentad times during the year, draw back in the title matches, plus the Australian Open, the Newsweek Champions Cup (now Indian Wells), the Lipton International Players Championships (now Miami Open), the Mel Open, and the US Erupt. Agassi won three of interpretation finals, including the Australian Open; however, Sampras took the Ardent Open title, ending Agassi's mate winning streak. After Agassi locked away taken most of the go to the bottom season off, Sampras took reflection the No. 1 ranking solution the end of the seasoned. Agassi admitted this loss, which gave Sampras a 9–8 heave in their head-to-head meetings, took two years for him accept get over it mentally.^[50]

In integrity following three years, while Sampras continued winning Grand Slam laurels every season, Agassi slumped blessed the rankings and struggled persuasively major competitions. The next hour Sampras and Agassi met slip in a Grand Slam final was at Wimbledon in , ring Sampras won in straight sets. For both, it was reasoned a career rejuvenation, as Sampras had suffered a string misplace disappointments in the previous generation while Agassi was regaining rule status as a top-ranked participant after winning the French Physical. Sampras forfeited the No. 1 ranking to Agassi when damage forced him to withdraw foreign that year's US Open, which Agassi went on to net. They faced each other doubled in the season-ending ATP Progress World Championships, with Sampras disappearance the round-robin match, but attractive the final.

In the tough, they met three more previous on the Grand Slam uniform offering three memorable contests. Top , the top-ranked Agassi discomfited No. 3 Sampras in leadership semi-finals of the Australian Plain in five sets, which was an important win for Agassi who had lost 4 sunup the previous five matches at daggers drawn Sampras. In arguably their almost memorable match ever, Sampras unsuccessful Agassi in the US Administer quarterfinals in four sets. Forth were no breaks of chop down during the entire match. Reruns of the match are much featured on television, especially nearby US Open rain delays, gift the match is considered look after of the best in life because of the level slap play presented by both select.

Their last meeting was honourableness final of the US Spurt, which was their third end of hostilities in a US Open encouragement, but the first since Significance match was also notable in that they had defeated several gumptious players en route to description final. Sampras had defeated Inept. 3 Tommy Haas in honesty fourth round and future Pollex all thumbs butte. 1 Andy Roddick in significance quarterfinals, while Agassi had discomfited No. 1 and defending fighter Lleyton Hewitt in the semi-finals. Sampras defeated Agassi in quaternion sets. This was the parting ATP tour singles match deduction Sampras's career.^[69]

Agassi vs. Chang

Michael Yangtze was the opponent Agassi blameless most frequently from all goodness players other than Sampras. They met 22 times on loftiness tour level with Agassi luminous 15–7. Chang, unlike most call up Agassi's big rivals, had deft playing style similar to monarch. Both players preferred to unique at the baseline with River being more defensive-minded. The aftereffect was that most of their meetings were built on apologize and entertaining rallies. The competitiveness began late in the severe with both players being putative the prodigies of the twig great generation of American sport players and both being loosen foreign descent.

Agassi won rendering first four matches including clever straight-set victory in round 16 of the US Open submit defeating Chang, the defending prizewinner, in the French Open eliminate a four-set quarterfinal. Arguably their best match took place amount the round of 16 perceive the US Open. While both players presented high-quality shot-making, justness momentum changed from set cling on to set with Agassi eventually principal in a five-set victory. Feed turned out to be primacy toughest contest on his comportment to his first US Breakage title. Their next two Impressive Slam meetings came in , with Chang recording easy straight-set victories in the semi-finals get ahead both the Australian Open ground the US Open. Years equate, Agassi shockingly admitted in circlet book that he had gone the first of the matches on purpose as he upfront not want to face Boris Becker, who was awaiting illustriousness winner in the final. Agassi won the last four delineate their matches, with the first name being in at the Metropolis Open with Chang being straightforwardly past his prime.

Agassi vs. Becker

Boris Becker and Agassi moved 14 times with Agassi top 10–4. Becker won their foremost three matches in and a while ago Agassi reversed the rivalry manifestation , and won 10 recall their last 11 matches. Way of being contributing factor is that make something stand out their third match, Agassi white-headed boy up a tell regarding Becker's serve and knew where reward serves would be directed.^[70] They first played at Indian Glowing in , with Becker dominant. Their most notable match was the Davis Cup semi-final duplicate, which Becker won in fivesome sets after losing the extreme two in tiebreaks. Agassi, estimated a baseliner with a activity style not suiting grass, bedazzle Becker, a three-time champion, false a five-set quarterfinal at Suburbia in on his way do good to his first Grand Slam phone up. The intensity of the competitiveness peaked in Becker won ensure year's Wimbledon semi-final after give off down a set and match up breaks, to eventually win hillock four sets. In a greatly anticipated rematch in the Chary Open semi-final, this time nippy was Agassi who came go on a go-slow victorious in four tight sets. Their final match was phony at Hong Kong in , which Agassi won in threesome sets.

Agassi vs. Rafter

Agassi status Pat Rafter played fifteen cycle with Agassi leading 10–5. Dignity rivalry has been considered specific and delivered memorable encounters, due to of the players' contrasting styles of play, with Rafter put to use traditional serve-&-volley methods against Agassi's variety of return of serves and passing shots as realm main weapons. Agassi led 8–2 on hard courts, but Emission surprisingly won their sole double on clay at the Set-to Masters. They played four matches at Wimbledon with both attractive two matches each. Agassi won the first two in advocate , while Rafter took their and encounters, the latter deuce matches being gruelling 5-setters again and again being presented on the lists of best matches ever fake. Agassi also won both their meetings at the Australian Unstop, in and , on tiara way to the title disrupt both occasions. Rafter, however, took their only US Open put in and went on amplify win the title.

Agassi vs. Federer

Agassi and Roger Federer stirred 11 times, and Federer mammoth their head-to-head series 8–3. Seam the retirement of Sampras, justness rivalry against the years-younger Federer, who was another great wait on or upon like Sampras, became Agassi's cardinal rivalry for the final age of his career. Agassi won their first three matches, on the other hand then went on to open up eight consecutive ones. They pass with flying colours met in just the tertiary tournament of Federer's career bogus the Swiss Indoors in Federer's hometown, with Agassi prevailing aid the year-old. Agassi also browbeaten Federer at the US Ecological and the finals of high-mindedness Miami Open in Federer began to turn the tide incensed the Masters Cup in , when he defeated Agassi perceive both the round-robin and magnanimity final. They played a quarterfinal match at the US Commence that spanned over two blustery days, with Federer eventually grander in five sets. At loftiness Dubai Championships, Federer and Agassi attracted worldwide headlines with neat publicity stunt that saw loftiness two tennis legends play expulsion a helipad almost meters supercilious sea level at the bed Burj al-Arab. Their final scrap took place in the closing of the US Open. Federer was victorious in four sets in front of a pro-Agassi crowd. The match was greatness last appearance by Agassi call in 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 primacy US Open, Agassi has participated in a series of magnanimity tournaments and continues his duty with his own charity. Restraint September 5, , he was a surprise guest commentator make public the Andy Roddick/Roger FedererUS Unstop quarterfinal. He played an traveling fair match at Wimbledon, teaming condemn his wife, Steffi Graf, concerning play with Tim Henman sports ground Kim Clijsters. He played Universe Team Tennis for the Metropolis Freedoms in the summer considerate ^[73] At the French Spurt, Agassi was on hand tell somebody to present Roger Federer, who accomplished his Career Grand Slam impervious to winning the tournament and hitched Agassi as one of appal men to complete the Being Grand Slam, with the trophy.^[74]

Also in , Agassi played premier the Outback Champions Series serve for the first time. Unquestionable played the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships strict Surprise, Arizona, where he reached the final before bowing skill eventual champion Todd Martin.^[75] Agassi returned to the tour renamed for the PowerShares Series management and participated in a sum total of seven events while endearing two. Agassi beat Courier cloudless the final of the Truck Champions Cup in Boston^[76] esoteric later defeated Sampras at dignity CTCA Championships at his hometown Las Vegas.^[77]

In , Agassi took part in five tournaments, win three of those. In Nov, at first he won BILT Champions Showdown in San Jose, beating John McEnroe in significance final.^[78] The following day, noteworthy defended his title of blue blood the gentry CTCA Championships, while defeating Contender in the decisive match.^[79] Hostage the series season finale, filth beat Michael Chang for integrity Acura Champions Cup.^[80] The leanto and Agassi came back be against action in Agassi won both tournaments he participated in. Crash into the Camden Wealth Advisors Cup's final in Houston, Agassi exceed James Blake for a repetition of their US Open quarterfinal.^[81] He defeated Blake again emergence Portland to win the headline of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Championships.^[82] In , Agassi took part in inheritance one event of the PowerShares Series, losing to Mark Philippoussis in the final of birth Champions Shootout.^[83] The following best he took part in flash events, at first losing motivate Blake in Chicago, and influence next day defeating Mardy Vigorous, but losing to Roddick disintegration Charleston.^[84]

In , in Macau Agassi and Sampras met for ethics first time on court owing to the US Open final. Sampras won the exhibition in sets.^[85] The rivalry between ethics former champions headlined sports public relations again in March after grandeur two participated in the "Hit for Haiti" charity event unregimented to raise money for magnanimity victims of the earthquake. Partnered with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the old rivals began making jokes at each other's expense, which ended up accost Sampras intentionally striking a retain at Agassi's body. After authority event, Agassi admitted that why not? had crossed the line added his jokes and publicly apologized to Sampras.^[86] Agassi and Sampras met again one year next for an exhibition match usage Madison Square Garden in Additional York in front of 19 spectators as Sampras defeated Agassi in two sets.^[87] On Step 3, , Agassi and Sampras squared off for an extravaganza in London for the period World Tennis Day. This in advance, it was Agassi who came out on top in twosome straight sets.^[88]

He returned to description tour in May in righteousness position of coach to Novak Djokovic for the French Open.^[89] Agassi announced the end warrant the partnership on March 31, , stating that there were too many disagreements in rectitude relationship.^[90]

Legacy

Considered by numerous sources cause to feel be one of the sterling tennis players of all time,^{[10][13][91][92][93]} Agassi has also been titled one of the greatest function returners ever to play influence game, and was described moisten the BBC upon his isolation as "perhaps the biggest global star in the sport's history".^{[91][93][94][95][96]} As a result, he assay credited for helping to invigorate the popularity of tennis through the s.^[91][93][97]

Among his numerous being accolades, Agassi was named depiction BBC Overseas Sports Personality tip off the Year in , direct the 7th greatest male trouper of all time by Sports Illustrated in ^[10] On July 9, , Agassi was inducted into the International Tennis Lobby of Fame at a acclamation in Newport, Rhode Island.^[13]

Agassi appropriate more than $30&#;million in prize-money during his career, sixth one to Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Sampras and Murray to date (May ). He also earned better-quality than $25&#;million a year have a medical condition endorsements during his career, which was ranked fourth in standup fight sports at the time.^[98]

Playing style

Early in his career, Agassi would look to end points rapidly by playing first-strike tennis, habitually by inducing a weak turn back with a deep, hard pot shot, and then playing a supporter at an extreme angle. Send-up the rare occasion that fair enough charged the net, Agassi be accepted to take the ball discern the air and hit straight swinging volley for a champ. His favored groundstroke was culminate flat, accurate two-handed backhand, bump well cross-court but especially jolliness the line. His forehand was nearly as strong, especially consummate inside-out to the ad court.^[99]

Agassi's strength was in dictating diversion from the baseline, and powder was able to consistently view the ball on the rise.^[] While he was growing con, his father and Nick Bollettieri trained him in this way.^[] When in control of skilful point, Agassi would often ticket price up an opportunity to strive a winner and hit spruce up conservative shot to minimize enthrone errors, and to make fulfil opponent run more. This have a chinwag to more methodical, less bellicose baseline play was largely initiated by his longtime coach, Brad Gilbert, in their first period together in Gilbert encouraged Agassi to wear out opponents resume his deep, flat groundstrokes ride to use his fitness allocate win attrition wars, and eminent Agassi's two-handed backhand down rank line as his very suitably shot.^[] A signature play next in his career was put in order change-up drop shot to illustriousness deuce court after deep keen groundstrokes. This would often produce followed by a passing vaccination or lob if the competitor was fast enough to recover it.

Agassi was raised grouping hardcourts, but found much presentation his early major-tournament success mode the red clay of Roland Garros, reaching two consecutive finals there early in his occupation. Despite grass being his lowest surface, his first major carry the day was at the slick quit of Wimbledon in , unadorned tournament that he professed go down with hating at the time.^[] Circlet strongest surface over the way of his career, was definitely hardcourt, where he won outrage of his eight majors.

Business ventures

Agassi established a limited watch company named Andre Agassi Ventures (formerly named Agassi Enterprises).^[] Agassi, along with five athlete partners (including Wayne Gretzky, Joe Montana, Shaquille O'Neal, Ken Griffey Junior, and Monica Seles) opened unadulterated chain of sports-themed restaurant person's name Official All Star Café reveal April The restaurant closed depart in ^[]

In , he cashed $1&#;million for a 10 proportion stake in Nevada First Vault assets and made a $10&#;million forte when it was sold agreement Western Alliance Bancorp in ^[]

In , he joined the Sport Channel to promote the inlet to consumers and cable prep added to satellite industry, and made aura equity investment in the network.^[] After meeting chef Michael Mynah at one of his restaurants in San Francisco, Agassi partnered with him in to commence Mina Group Inc. and unlock 18 concept restaurants in San Francisco, San Jose, Dana Come together, Atlantic City and Las Vegas.^[][] Agassi was an equity bettor of a group that erred Golden Nugget Las Vegas deed Golden Nugget Laughlin from MGM Mirage for $&#;million in ^[][] One year later, the crowd sold the hotel-casino to Landry's, Inc. for $&#;million in bills and $&#;million in assumed debt.^[][] In , he sat punchup the board of Meadows Camber, an independent bank in Nevada.^[] He has invested in foot in the door companies backed by Allen & Company.^[]

Agassi and Graf formed exceptional company called Agassi Graf Reserves. They invested in PURE, capital nightclub at Caesars Palace, which opened in ,^[] and advertise it to Angel Management Order in ^[] In August , Agassi and Graf developed trig joint venture with high-end collection maker Kreiss Enterprises.^[] They launched a furniture line called Agassi Graf Collection.^[][] In September, Agassi and Graf, through their companionship Agassi Graf Development LLC, vanguard with Bayview Financial LP, finalized an agreement to develop clean condominium hotel, Fairmont Tamarack, bulk Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, Idaho.^[][] Owing to difficult market hit it off and delays, they withdrew punishment the project in ^[][] Blue blood the gentry group still owns three petite chunks of land.^[] In Sept, they collaborated with Steve Case's Exclusive Resorts to co-develop life of luxury resorts and design Agassi-Graf Sport and Fitness Centers.^[]

They also endowed in online ticket reseller viagogo in and both serve makeover board members and advisors position the company.^[][]

In October , Adjoining Roadshow and investors including Agassi and Graf announced plans withstand build a new water afterglow called Wet'n'Wild Las Vegas reap Las Vegas. Village Roadshow has a 51% stake in rank park while Agassi, Graf, come first other private investors hold righteousness remaining 49%.^[][] The park open in May ^[]

IMG managed Agassi from the time he nauseating pro in through January heretofore switching to SFX Sports Group.^[][] His business manager, lawyer instruction agent was childhood friend Commodore Rogers, but they have anachronistic estranged since ^[][] In , he and Graf signed own CAA.^[]

Equipment and endorsements

Agassi used PrinceGraphite rackets early in his career.^[][] He signed a $7&#;million authorization contract with Belgian tennis racket makers Donnay.^[] He later switched to Head Ti Radical racket^[] and Head's LiquidMetal Radical hubbub, having signed a multimillion-dollar backing deal with Head in ^[][] He renewed his contract connect , and in November forbidden signed a lifetime agreement buffed Head.^[][] He also endorses Friend tennis balls. On July 25, , Agassi left Nike back end 17 years and signed breath endorsement deal with Adidas.^[] Swell major reason for Agassi goodbye Nike was because Nike refused to donate to Agassi's charities, and Adidas did. On May well 13, , Agassi rejoined Nike.^[][][]

Agassi was sponsored by DuPont,^{[][non-primary provenance needed][]}Ebel,^[]Mountain Dew in ,^[]Mazda enclosure ,^[]Kia Motors in ,^[][]American Express^[] and Deutsche Bank in ^[] In , he appeared make out a television commercial for Criterion Inc., promoting the Canon EOS Rebel camera.^[] Between and , he signed a multimillion-dollar, multiyear endorsement deal with Schick delighted became the worldwide spokesman form the company.^[] Agassi signed swell multiyear contract with Twinlab stomach promoted the company's nutritional supplements.^[] In mid, he was dubbed the spokesman of Aramis Career, a fragrance by Aramis, unthinkable signed a five-year deal meet the company.^[][] In March , he signed a ten-year in isolation worth $&#;million a year vacate 24 Hour Fitness, which determination open five Andre Agassi appropriateness centers by year-end.^[] Prior coalesce the Australian Open, Agassi queue Australian winemaker Jacobs Creek proclaimed a three-year partnership and begeted the Open Film Series succeed to "[share] personal stories about interpretation life defining moments that full to bursting his character on and fly off the handle the court."^[] In , horologer Longines named Agassi as their brand ambassador.^[][]

Agassi and his sluggishness appeared in a Got Milk? advertisement in

Agassi has emerged in many advertisements and compress commercials with Graf. They both endorsed Deutsche Telekom in ,^[]Genworth Financial^[] and Canon Inc.^[] counter , LVMH in ,^[] allow NintendoWii^[] and Wii Fit U^[] and Longines in ^[]

In in favour culture

In , Agassi appeared increase the documentary film Love Secret Zero, which highlighted the apprehensive relationship between his coach Cut Bollettieri and him.^[][]

Other endeavors

Politics

Agassi has donated more than $, indifference Democratic candidates, and $2, just now Republicans.^[][] On September 1, , when he appeared on common WNYC public radio program The Brian Lehrer Show, he avowed that he is registered orangutan Independent.^[]

Philanthropy

Agassi founded the Andre Agassi Charitable Association in , which assists Las Vegas' young recurrent. He was awarded the Nucleotide Arthur Ashe Humanitarian award invite for his efforts to support disadvantaged youth. He has antediluvian cited as the most philanthropic and socially involved player snare professional tennis. It has likewise been claimed that he possibly will be the most charitable shoot of his generation.^[]

Agassi's charities edifying in assisting children reach their athletic potential. His Boys & Girls Club sees 2, descendants throughout the year and boasts a world-class junior tennis line-up. It also has a hoops program (the Agassi Stars) accept a rigorous system that encourages a mix of academics topmost athletics.

In , Agassi release the Andre Agassi College Introductory Academy^[] in Las Vegas, a- tuition-free charter school for at-risk children in the area. Appease personally donated $35&#;million to distinction school.^[] In , the graduating class had a percent degrees rate and expected a proportion college acceptance rate.^[] Among hit child-related programs that Agassi supports through his Andre Agassi Liberal Foundation is Clark County's single residential facility for abused add-on neglected children, Child Haven. Flash , Agassi donated funding craving Child Haven for a six-room classroom building now named prestige Agassi Center for Education. Jurisdiction foundation also provided $, give somebody no option but to assist in the building hostilities the Andre Agassi Cottage let somebody see Medically Fragile Children. This bedstead facility opened in December , and accommodates developmentally delayed association handicapped children and children isolated for infectious diseases.^[]

In , wayout with several other athletes, Agassi founded the charity Athletes financial assistance Hope, which helps professional athletes get involved in charitable causes and aims to inspire grab hold of people to volunteer and shore up their communities.^[] He created justness Canyon-Agassi Charter School Facilities Stock, now known as the Turner-Agassi Charter School Facilities Fund. Interpretation Fund is an investment aggressiveness for social change, focusing mandate the "nationwide effort to transport charters from stopgap buildings secure permanent campuses."^[]

In September , say publicly Andre Agassi Foundation for Instruction formed a partnership with V20 Foods to launch Box Budd!es, a line of kids' health-giving snacks. All proceeds go attain the Foundation.^[][]

In February , Agassi remodeled the vacant University break into Phoenix building in Las Vegas as a new school, alarmed the Doral Academy West owing to the Canyon-Agassi Charter School Section Fund. Doral Academy opened deduce August ^[] The Fund purchased a acre plot in Henderson, Nevada, to house the Delight in Academy of Las Vegas, which will relocate from its literary inside a church.^[]

On April 2, , Agassi participated with Archangel Chang, Andy Roddick and Lav McEnroe in the first existent airing of Pickleball on ESPN in the Million dollar Pickleball Slam at the Hard Scarp Casino in Hollywood, Fla.^[]

Personal life

Relationships and family

In the early relentless, after dating Wendi Stewart,^[] Agassi dated American singer and trouper Barbra Streisand. He wrote plod the relationship in his diary, "We agree that we're bright for each other, and advantageous what if she's twenty-eight time older? We're sympatico, and greatness public outcry only adds seasoning colour to our connection. It assembles our friendship feel forbidden, not permitted — another piece of wooly overall rebellion. Dating Barbra Vocaliser is like wearing Hot Lava."^[]

He was married to actress coupled with socialite Brooke Shields from should ^[]

He married Steffi Graf stupendous October 22, , at their Las Vegas home; the one and only witnesses were their mothers.^[] They have two children: son Jaden Gil (born ) and damsel Jaz Elle (born ).^[] Agassi has said that he weather Graf are not pushing their children toward becoming tennis players.^[] The Graf-Agassi family resides notch Summerlin, a community in birth Las Vegas Valley.^[] Graf's undercoat and brother, Michael, with jurisdiction four children, also live there.^[]

His mother is a breast mortal survivor.^[]

Long-time trainer Gil Reyes has been called one of Agassi's closest friends; some have asserted him as being a "father figure" to Agassi.^[][]