Hello, Tennis fans! If you love following the Tennis and admire world-class, Andre Agassi is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Andre Agassi was never just a tennis player; he was a cultural phenomenon. As of 2026, he remains a titan of the industry—not just for what he did with a racquet, but for his massive business portfolio, his honest autobiography, and his high-profile marriage to fellow legend Steffi Graf
Andre Agassi’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Andre Kirk Agassi |
| Nickname | The Punisher, The Las Vegas Kid |
| Born | April 29, 1970 |
| Age | 55 years old |
| Birthplace | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Turned Pro | 1986 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| Spouse | Steffi Graf |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | Jaden Gil Agassi, Jaz Elle Agassi |
| Net Worth | ~$175 Million |
| Career Prize Money | $31,152,975 |
| Instagram Profile | @agassi |
Early Career
Agassi turned professional at the tender age of 16 in 1986, instantly making waves not just for his talent but for his attitude. Raised under the strict, drill-sergeant eye of his father, Mike Agassi, Andre developed a baseline game that was ahead of its time. He trained at the famous Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, where he was a known rebel—often defying dress codes and authority.
By 1987, he had won his first top-level singles title in Itaparica, Brazil. By 1988, he had won six tournaments and reached the semi-finals of both the French Open and US Open, becoming the fastest player in history to surpass $1 million in prize money at that time.
Professional Career
Agassi’s career is a tale of two halves. In the early 90s, he was the “Image is Everything” superstar, winning his first major at Wimbledon in 1992—ironically, a tournament he had previously boycotted. He captured the 1994 US Open unseeded and won Olympic Gold in 1996. However, personal struggles saw his ranking plummet to No. 141 in 1997.
In a legendary turnaround, he rededicated himself to fitness, returning to World No. 1 in 1999. That year, he won the French Open to complete a Career Grand Slam, becoming only the fifth man in history to do so. He claimed eight Grand Slam titles in total (4 Australian Opens, 1 French, 1 Wimbledon, 2 US Opens) before retiring emotionally at the 2006 US Open.
Wife
Andre Agassi has been married to German tennis legend Steffi Graf since October 22, 2001. They are widely considered the ultimate “power couple” of tennis, sharing a combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles. In late 2025, they celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. Before Steffi, Agassi was famously married to actress Brooke Shields from 1997 to 1999 and had a high-profile relationship with singer Barbra Streisand.
Andre and Steffi share two children:
- Jaden Gil Agassi (born 2001): A talented baseball pitcher who played for the University of Southern California (USC) and has attracted MLB draft attention.
- Jaz Elle Agassi (born 2003): Pursues interests in fashion, dance, and equestrian sports, largely staying out of the intense media spotlight.
Andre Agassi’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Andre Agassi’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $175 million. While he earned over $30 million in prize money (a record-breaking sum in his era), the bulk of his wealth comes from smart, long-term endorsement deals and investment vehicles. He and his wife, Steffi Graf, have a combined net worth that likely exceeds $200 million.
His recent financial growth is fueled by his venture capital firm, investments in pickleball leagues (he is a part-owner of a Major League Pickleball team), and equity stakes in online betting and education platforms.
Prize Money
| Year | Earnings (Approx.) | Key Achievements |
| 1988 | $1,000,000+ | Crossed the $1M mark faster than anyone in history |
| 1992 | $1,500,000+ | Won Wimbledon; boosted earnings significantly |
| 1994 | $1,800,000+ | Won US Open (Unseeded) |
| 1995 | $3,827,896 | Reached World No. 1; peak earning year |
| 1999 | $2,021,100 | Won French Open & US Open |
| 2003 | $2,530,929 | Won Australian Open (4th title there) |
| 2006 | $156,700 | Retirement year earnings |
| Total | $31,152,975 | 6th All-Time (at time of retirement) |
Endorsements & Business Ventures
- Nike (The Rebel Era): Perhaps the most iconic partnership in tennis history. In the late 80s and 90s, Agassi and Nike introduced denim shorts, neon spandex, and the “Tech Challenge” shoe line (the “Hot Lava” kicks are still retro bestsellers today). He left Nike for Adidas later in his career but rejoined the Nike family years after retirement, a rare move that cemented his legacy with the swoosh.
- Adidas (The Comeback Era): In 2005, Agassi signed a massive lifetime deal with Adidas that followed him through the twilight of his career, symbolizing his shift from rebel to elder statesman.
- Head: Agassi famously used the Head Radical racquet, a piece of equipment that became one of the best-selling racquets in the world. He still has a legacy contract with the brand.
- Canon: The “Image is Everything” tagline from his Canon Rebel camera commercials in the early 90s defined his public persona for a decade.
- Kia Motors: He served as a long-time global ambassador for Kia, often appearing at the Australian Open (which Kia sponsors) where he reigned supreme.
- Jacobs Creek: A long-term partnership with the Australian wine brand, fitting given his success in Melbourne.
Recent Ventures
- Pickleball: Agassi has gone all-in on the “pickleball boom,” investing in the Pickleball Slam events (where he played with Andy Roddick against McEnroe and Chang) and purchasing equity in equipment manufacturers.
- Komodo Health: He has invested in health-tech companies, focusing on data and wellness.
- Square Panda: An education technology company where he serves as an investor and board member, aligning with his passion for education.
Career Records
| Opponent | Head-to-Head Record | The Story |
| Pete Sampras | 14–20 | The greatest American rivalry. Sampras had the bigger serve, Agassi the better return. They met in 34 matches, including 5 Grand Slam finals (Sampras won 4). |
| Boris Becker | 10–4 | Agassi dominated Becker late in their careers. In his book, Agassi revealed he could read Becker’s serve by watching his tongue direction. |
| Patrick Rafter | 10–5 | A clash of styles. Agassi usually handled Rafter’s serve-and-volley game well, though Rafter famously beat him in two thrilling Wimbledon semis (2000, 2001). |
| Michael Chang | 15–7 | The battle of the baseliners. Agassi usually overpowered Chang with heavier groundstrokes, though Chang beat him in big moments early on. |
| Goran Ivanišević | 4–3 | Agassi defeated the big-serving Croat in the 1992 Wimbledon final, a shock result given Agassi was a baseliner on fast grass. |
| Roger Federer | 3–8 | A changing of the guard. Agassi fought a young Federer valiantly, notably in the 2005 US Open final, but the Swiss maestro dominated their later meetings. |
FAQs
1. Is Andre Agassi still involved in tennis in 2026?
Yes, but mostly on the business and mentorship side. He is not a full-time tour coach, though he briefly coached Novak Djokovic (2017-2018) and Grigor Dimitrov. In 2026, his focus is heavily on the business of racquet sports, specifically promoting Pickleball and Padel, as well as attending major finals as an ambassador.
2. Did Andre Agassi really wear a wig during a Grand Slam final?
Yes, this is 100% true. In his autobiography Open, Agassi admitted that during the 1990 French Open final against Andres Gomez, he was wearing a hairpiece that began to fall apart. He was so terrified of it falling off on live TV that he played cautiously and lost the match.
3. What is the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy?
It is a tuition-free charter school in Las Vegas for at-risk youth, founded by Agassi in 2001. It is the crown jewel of his philanthropy. The school has an incredible graduation rate and has sent thousands of students to university. Agassi has raised over $180 million for education reform through his foundation.
4. Why did Agassi hate tennis?
He famously stated in his book, “I play tennis for a living even though I hate tennis, hate it with a dark and secret passion and always have.” He was forced into the sport by his domineering father, Mike, and felt trapped by the fame and pressure for decades. He only learned to love the game—or at least appreciate it—late in his career when he chose to play for himself.
5. How did Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf actually meet?
They knew of each other for years as tour champions. Agassi had a crush on her from a distance (he tried to ask her to dance after the 1992 Wimbledon ball, but it was cancelled). They officially started dating in 1999 after Agassi divorced Brooke Shields and Graf ended her relationship with Michael Bartels. Agassi courted her by practicing with her and sending thoughtful letters.
6. Does Agassi’s son, Jaden, play tennis?
No. Jaden Agassi pursued baseball instead. He was a standout pitcher/third baseman for USC (University of Southern California) and has pursued a professional baseball career. Andre and Steffi intentionally did not push tennis on their children, wanting to spare them the pressure they both faced.
7. What is the “Crystal Meth” controversy?
In his 2009 book Open, Agassi admitted to using crystal methamphetamine in 1997 when his career and marriage to Brooke Shields were falling apart. He failed a drug test at the time but lied to the ATP, claiming he accidentally drank a spiked soda. The admission shocked the world but was largely forgiven due to his honesty and subsequent redemption.
8. What was Agassi’s lowest ranking before his comeback?
In November 1997, Agassi’s ranking sank to World No. 141. Most pundits wrote him off as “finished.” His climb from Challenger tournaments back to World No. 1 in 1999 is considered the greatest comeback in the history of the sport.
9. Why is Agassi considered the best “returner” of all time?
Before Djokovic, Agassi was the undisputed king of the return. Because he was shorter than servers like Sampras or Becker, he stood inside the baseline and took the ball incredibly early (on the rise). This cut down the opponent’s reaction time and used their own pace against them. His hand-eye coordination is still cited as the benchmark for returners.
10. What is Andre Agassi’s role in Pickleball?
Agassi has become the face of the “Tennis to Pickleball” pipeline. He realized early that Pickleball was good business. He participates in the televised “Pickleball Slam” events (often earning $1 million paydays for a weekend’s work) and invests in DUPR (the rating system for pickleball players). He believes the sport saves the knees and keeps racquets in people’s hands as they age.