Andre Agassi

Andre Agassi is a world-renowned former tennis player. Known for his charismatic personality and aggressive playing style, Agassi is considered one of the sport's most iconic figures. He turned professional in 1986 at the age of 16 and quickly made a name for himself with his flamboyant fashion choices and powerful game. By the late 1980s, Agassi had become a household name, capturing the imagination of tennis fans worldwide. The former world No. 1 player was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame for the Class of 2011.

Agassi's career is marked by his impressive achievements, including eight Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal. He won his first Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 1992, a victory that helped shed his early reputation as an underachiever in major tournaments. He went on to complete a career Grand Slam -- only the second of five men to do so -- by winning the Australian Open four times (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003), the French Open in 1999, and the US Open twice (1994, 1999) and he is the first man to win all four singles majors on three different surfaces (hard, clay and grass). Agassi also won 17 Masters titles and was part of the winning Davis Cup teams in 1990, 1992 and 1995.

Off the court, Agassi's life was equally compelling. He married actress Brooke Shields in 1997, though their marriage ended in 1999, and had a relationship with Barbra Streisand. In 2001, he married fellow tennis legend Steffi Graf, with whom he has two children. Agassi's candid autobiography, "Open," published in 2009, was a #1 New York Times bestseller and revealed his struggles with the pressures of professional tennis, personal issues, and a controversial admission of using recreational drugs. The book was widely praised for its honesty and introspection, further endearing Agassi to his fans.

Throughout his career, Agassi has also been known for his philanthropy. After retiring in 2006, he dedicated more of his time to the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, working to transform public education in underserved communities. It's flagship project, the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, a tuition-free K-12 public charter school, was a model for educational success before turning over its operations to Democracy Prep. The Foundation also partnered with Square Panda to bring early reading technology to young learners. Since its inception, $185 million dollars has been raised to benefit the mission of the Foundation, including $118 million from its signature fundraising event, Grand Slam for Children.

In 2011, as part of an effort to expand his impact on education, Agassi partnered with Turner Impact Capital on an innovative real estate fund -- the Turner-Agassi Charter School Facilities Fund -- to promote the success and growth of best-in-class charter schools in urban communities across the United States. As of 2024, the fund has opened 122 schools in some of the most economically challenged neighborhoods in America.

Agassi retired from professional tennis in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of 60 career titles and a lasting impact on the sport. His rivalry with fellow American Pete Sampras is considered one of the greatest in tennis history, characterized by their contrasting styles and numerous memorable matches. His influence extended beyond his playing days, as he became a mentor to younger players and a respected commentator in the tennis community.

Today, Andre Agassi is remembered not only for his remarkable tennis career but also for his contributions to society and his role as an ambassador for the sport. His journey from a rebellious teenager to a respected champion and philanthropist remains an inspiring story of personal and professional growth. Agassi's impact on tennis and his dedication to education continue to resonate, making him a beloved figure in and out of the sports world.