Andre Agassi, one of tennis’s most iconic and complex figures, was born on April 29, 1970, in Las Vegas, Nevada. From a young age, it was clear that he was destined for greatness. His rise to fame, tumultuous relationships, and resilient career journey have made him not only a legend on the tennis court but also a fascinating figure off it.
This biography explores the story of his extraordinary career, personal life, and legacy—filled with triumphs, challenges, and the relentless drive that defined his path to success.
Biography: A Glimpse Into the Life of Andre Agassi
Andre Kirk Agassi was born to Emmanuel “Mike” Agassi, an Iranian-born Armenian who had represented his country in boxing, and Elizabeth Agassi, a school teacher. From the moment he could hold a tennis racket, it was clear that Agassi was different. His father, a demanding and determined man, pushed Andre relentlessly into the world of tennis. At the age of 13, Agassi moved to Florida to train at the renowned Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, where he would shape his future and begin his ascent in the tennis world.
Agassi’s early life was marked by intense pressure and a demanding training regimen. His father’s obsession with making him a tennis champion often overshadowed his childhood, and this formative experience left Agassi with a complicated relationship with the sport. He would later reveal in his autobiography, Open, that this period of his life was emotionally taxing, as his love for the game was often overshadowed by his father’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
Despite the intense pressure, Agassi’s talent was undeniable. By the time he was 16, he had turned professional, marking the start of a career that would see him claim eight Grand Slam titles and become a global sensation.
| Date of Birth | April 29, 1970 |
|---|---|
| Place of Birth | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Career Highlights | 8 Grand Slam Titles, Olympic Gold Medal (1996) |
| Famous Matches | 1999 French Open, 2001 U.S. Open |
| Major Rivalries | Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal |
Andre Agassi Biography – Britannica
News: The Return of the Tennis Prodigy
After his retirement from professional tennis in 2006, many believed that the world would never see Andre Agassi on the court again. However, as is often the case with legends, Agassi’s journey was far from over. His post-tennis life has been filled with a multitude of exciting new ventures.
In 2017, Agassi made a splash in the tennis world again when he was invited to coach Novak Djokovic. This collaboration showed Agassi’s deep knowledge of the game and his continued influence within the sport. Though he no longer plays professionally, his guidance and insight have been invaluable to younger generations of players.
Today, Agassi is also involved in philanthropic activities, including the continued work of the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. His work aims to help disadvantaged children receive quality education, a cause close to his heart. Through his foundation, Agassi has dedicated himself to creating lasting change for those in need.
Gossip: A Life in the Spotlight
It’s no secret that Andre Agassi has lived much of his life in the public eye. As a teenager, his flamboyant style, both on and off the court, captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. With his mullet, neon outfits, and rebellious attitude, Agassi became a cultural icon of the 1990s.
However, Agassi’s life was not always as glamorous as it seemed. In his autobiography, Open, he revealed shocking details about his struggles with drug use during his career. This revelation shocked many fans, who had only seen Agassi as the confident, clean-cut athlete on the surface. His openness about his struggles with addiction and his subsequent redemption only added to his mystique and made his story all the more compelling.
Net Worth: The Financial Legacy of a Tennis Icon
As of 2025, Andre Agassi’s net worth is estimated to be around $145 million. While much of this wealth was accrued during his illustrious career as a tennis professional, Agassi has continued to build his fortune through various business ventures, including endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and Head.
In addition to his tennis earnings, Agassi’s entrepreneurial spirit has helped him maintain a comfortable lifestyle. He has made savvy investments, including in the world of real estate and technology. Moreover, Agassi’s philanthropic work has further solidified his legacy as a man who not only played the game but also worked to change the world off the court.
Lifestyle: A Champion Beyond the Court
Agassi’s lifestyle has always been a blend of high-energy competition and private moments of reflection. Since retiring from tennis, Agassi has enjoyed a quieter life with his wife, tennis legend Steffi Graf, and their children. The couple, both of whom reached the pinnacle of their careers in the 1990s, have shared a life outside of the public eye. Together, they lead a life that balances family, work, and philanthropy.
Agassi’s lifestyle has also evolved to include pursuits outside of tennis, such as his involvement in the sport of pickleball. In 2025, he began playing in pickleball tournaments, showing that his competitive spirit is far from gone. This newfound passion for pickleball represents Agassi’s ability to reinvent himself, adapting to new challenges and sports while continuing to live a full and meaningful life.
Relationships: From Brooke Shields to Steffi Graf
Throughout his life, Agassi’s relationships have been a topic of public interest. One of the most widely covered chapters of his personal life was his marriage to actress Brooke Shields. The two were married in 1997, but their relationship was marked by media scrutiny and Agassi’s own struggles with his professional and personal identity. In 1999, they divorced, a difficult chapter in Agassi’s life that he later described in his autobiography.
Agassi’s second marriage to fellow tennis star Steffi Graf, however, has been a more stable and supportive one. The couple married in 2001 and has two children together, Jaden and Jaz Agassi. Graf and Agassi have often spoken about the strength of their bond, and their relationship has been a source of stability for Agassi in the years since his retirement.
Divorce: A Pivotal Moment in Agassi’s Life
Andre Agassi’s divorce from Brooke Shields in 1999 marked a pivotal moment in his personal life. The media frenzy surrounding their breakup was immense, and the emotional toll on Agassi was evident. This period of his life, filled with personal and professional struggles, was a time of great transformation.
The divorce, however, ultimately led to Agassi’s resurgence. The lessons he learned during this challenging time helped him rediscover his focus and drive in his tennis career. It was a painful but necessary chapter that ultimately led to some of his most triumphant years on the court.
Plastic Surgery: The Quest for a New Identity
In his autobiography, Agassi candidly admitted to undergoing plastic surgery during a period of personal crisis. This revelation shocked many, as the image-conscious athlete had always been portrayed as the quintessential tennis icon. Agassi’s decision to undergo surgery was, in part, an attempt to combat his self-perceived flaws and regain control over his image.
This candid admission about his struggles with body image and his appearance humanized Agassi, showing a side of him that many fans hadn’t seen before. It also underscored the intense pressure that athletes, especially those in the public eye, face when it comes to their image and self-perception.
Homes: Luxury Living for a Tennis Legend
Agassi’s homes reflect the success he has achieved in his career. Over the years, he has owned several luxurious properties, including estates in Las Vegas and California. One of his most notable homes was his mansion in Las Vegas, which featured a sprawling tennis court and cutting-edge amenities.
Despite his wealth, Agassi has always been relatively low-key about his lifestyle. While his homes are certainly luxurious, they are also places where Agassi can find peace and focus on his family and philanthropic endeavors. His choice to live a somewhat private life, despite his fame, speaks to his desire for balance after a career lived in the spotlight.
Scandals: The Dark Side of Fame
While Andre Agassi’s career was filled with memorable moments of glory, it was also marked by scandals. One of the most notorious was his admission of drug use, particularly methamphetamine, during the late 1990s. This revelation shocked the tennis world and led to a temporary suspension from the sport.
Agassi’s public acknowledgment of his drug use and his subsequent efforts to rebuild his reputation was a turning point in his career. While some fans were disappointed, others admired his honesty and resilience in overcoming the challenges that came with his addiction.
Children: The Next Generation of Agassi
Andre Agassi’s children, Jaden and Jaz, have grown up surrounded by the world of tennis. Their mother, Steffi Graf, is one of the most successful female players in tennis history, and their father’s career is legendary. Agassi has made it clear that he wants his children to find their own paths in life, free from the intense pressure he faced growing up.
Both of Agassi’s children have taken an interest in tennis, though it remains to be seen whether they will follow in their parents’ footsteps. Regardless, Agassi has been a supportive and loving father, ensuring that his children have the tools they need to thrive, both on and off the court.
Fashion: The Iconic Look of Andre Agassi
In the 1990s, Andre Agassi became synonymous with bold fashion choices. His neon outfits, shaggy hair, and rebellious attitude challenged the traditional image of a tennis player. Agassi’s style was as much a part of his persona as his powerful forehand and explosive serve.
Throughout his career, Agassi worked closely with fashion brands like Nike, helping to redefine what tennis apparel could look like. His willingness to break from tradition and experiment with fashion made him a trendsetter, and his influence extended beyond the tennis court into the world of pop culture.
Early Life: Shaping the Tennis Prodigy
Andre Agassi’s early life was far from ordinary. Born into a family with a rich sporting background, Agassi was destined for greatness from the start. His father’s unyielding drive to make him a tennis champion shaped Agassi’s early years.
Despite the challenges, Agassi’s natural talent and dedication to the sport eventually shone through. His time at the Bollettieri Academy, where he trained alongside other future tennis stars, solidified his place in the tennis world.
Education Background: A Commitment to Learning
While Agassi’s education was secondary to his tennis training, it’s worth noting that his early experiences shaped his outlook on life. His foundation for education, established in 1994, was an effort to give children the opportunities he did not always have as a child.
In addition to his work in education, Agassi himself would go on to further his learning in ways that went beyond tennis. His autobiography Open is a testament to his intellectual curiosity and desire to share his personal journey with the world.
Career Journey: From Prodigy to Legend
Agassi’s career journey is one of the most remarkable in tennis history. From his early days as a rebellious teenager to his later years as a veteran champion, Agassi’s journey was filled with triumphs, challenges, and personal growth. His ability to evolve his game over the years, overcoming injuries and setbacks, was a testament to his mental toughness.
Agassi’s career reached its peak in 1999 when he became the first male player to win all four Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces, completing the “career Grand Slam.” This achievement, along with his Olympic gold medal in 1996, cemented his place as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Age and Birthday: The Agassi Legacy Continues
As of 2025, Andre Agassi is 55 years old. Despite his age, Agassi continues to be active in tennis and sports. His passion for competition and his desire to give back to the sport that gave him everything are what keep him going.
Parents and Siblings: The Family Influence
Agassi’s parents, particularly his father, had a profound influence on his career. His father’s obsession with tennis shaped Agassi’s early life, and though their relationship was strained, Agassi credits his father for instilling in him the drive to succeed.
Agassi has one sibling, a brother named Phillip, who has largely stayed out of the public eye.
Spouse or Partner: A Bond With Steffi Graf
Agassi’s relationship with Steffi Graf is one of the most celebrated in the world of sports. Both champions in their own right, their bond has been built on mutual respect, love, and shared experiences as elite athletes.
Religion and Beliefs: A Spiritual Journey
Although Agassi has not been outspoken about his religious beliefs, his personal journey has led him to explore spirituality. His struggles and victories have shaped his outlook on life, and he has spoken in interviews about finding peace and meaning outside of the competitive world of tennis.
Rise to Fame: A Teenage Sensation
Agassi’s rise to fame was meteoric. His natural talent, combined with his rebellious image and flashy style, made him a media sensation from the moment he turned pro. His early success on the ATP tour turned him into an international star, and he quickly became one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.
Real Name: The Story Behind the Name
Agassi’s full name is Andre Kirk Agassi, a name that reflects his Armenian and Iranian heritage. His father, who had a boxing career in Iran, gave him the name Kirk, but the world would come to know him simply as Andre Agassi.
Ethnicity or Nationality: A Blend of Cultures
Andre Agassi’s heritage is a mix of Armenian and Iranian descent. His father, Emmanuel Agassi, was born in Iran to Armenian parents, and his mother was born in the United States. Agassi’s ethnic background is a unique aspect of his identity, one that has shaped his personal and professional journey in many ways.
Breakup: Personal and Professional Struggles
Agassi’s personal struggles, including his divorce from Brooke Shields, were closely linked to his professional challenges. However, Agassi’s ability to overcome adversity in both his personal life and career showcases his resilience and his ability to rise from the ashes, time and time again.
Through his journey from prodigious talent to tennis legend, Andre Agassi has become more than just a champion on the court. His story is one of personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and giving back to those in need. As he continues to shape his legacy, Agassi remains a source of inspiration, proving that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.
