For tennis fans who grew up in the 1980s, Andre Agassi was the coolest person in the world.
Before our top-rated sportsbooks even existed, Agassi came into a sport replete with staunch traditionalism and threw things for a loop. His long hair, bright clothing colors, and jean shorts or a style of fashion never seen before in the tennis world. Agassi was stylish and hip, making him a fan favorite for younger fans. And although he upset tradition, Agassi settled in for a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Quick Review
Andre Agassi definitely had plenty of success throughout his career. He made the finals of a Grand Slam tournament 15 times, winning eight of them. He also won an Olympic gold medal. He was the second player ever to achieve a career Grand Slam and was the first player ever to complete a career golden slam. A career Grand Slam is to win all four major tournaments within your career and the Golden Slam adds in the Olympic gold medal.
Andre Agassi turned pro in 1986 and finished the end of that year ranked number 91. He won his first singles title in 1987 and pushed his year-end ranking up to number 25 at the end of the year. He continued to grow on that success, winning six tournaments in 1988. He also set a record in 1988 for the most consecutive victories by a male teenager. That record stood until 2005 when Rafael Nadal broke the record.
By the end of 1988, he had pushed his ranking up to number three and won the Tennis Magazine Most Improved Player of the Year award.
During this time., Agassi made waves by skipping the most prestigious tournament on the calendar, Wimbledon. This was due to Agassi’s rebellious nature. As mentioned before, his flamboyant clothing would not have been allowed at Wimbledon and he chose he did not want to conform to the dress code.
Agassi’s Grand Slams
Agassi reached his first Grand Slam final at the French Open in 1990 where he lost to Andres Gomez. He then reached his second Grand Slam final that year at the US Open and defeated Boris Becker in the semifinals. However, he fell to another American legend, Pete Sampras. This was the beginning of one of the greatest rivalries of the 90’s: Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi.
Andre Agassi reached another Grand Slam final at the French Open in 1991, but once again was unable to win, making his record and Majors now 0-3. In 1991, Agassi also made his debut at Wimbledon and created quite a stir on whether or not he would follow the dress code. After rampant speculation, Agassi appeared in all white and reached the quarterfinals of his first Wimbledon.
It was a wise decision to capitulate and play at Wimbledon because he won his first Grand Slam there in 1992. This was quite surprising as grass was considered to be the worst service for his big forehand and baseline-dominated playing style. However, this win cemented Agassi as a player to be reckoned with on all surfaces.
Building up on Greatness
In 1993, Agassi suffered injuries and was forced to have wrist surgery.
In 1994, after a slow ramp-up, Andre Agassi was fully back and won the US Open. He also made his first appearance at the Australian Open in 1995 and was able to win against Pete Sampras in the final.
1995 was one of the best years in Agassi’s career as he won three Masters events as well. Agassi also had a chance to win the US Open but fell to rival Pete Sampras in the final. Overall Agassi’s best year was 1995 where he went 73-9.
In 1996 and 1997, Agassi struggled with injuries and it looked like he might be a player on his way to burnout. However, in 1998 he returned and won five titles.
In 1999 Agassi won the French Open and the US Open and was also a Wimbledon finalist. The popular American was back at the top of the game producing great tournament results and great matches along the way. Once again, his rivalry with Sampras took center stage as they faced off in a final event during this year.
The New Millennium
He started 2000 by winning the Australian Open and was the first male player to reach four consecutive Grand Slam finals since Rod Laver in 1969.
Agassi defended his French Open Australian Open title in 2001. He then had his share of close matches in the Grand Slams that year and finished the year at number 3.
Andre Agassi’s final Grand Slam triumph came at the Australian Open in 2003. That year he also became the number one ranked player in the world and was the oldest top-ranked male player ever at that point at 33 years old. He would hold that record until Roger Federer passed him in 2018.
Andre Agassi’s career was nothing short of legendary. From his rebellious roots to becoming one of the elder statesmen of the game, Agassi’s journey through his pro career was lived on a stage where tennis fans put his every moment under the microscope. Although Agassi suffered and made mistakes, he was able to overcome them and became one of the most popular players of all time. Agassi’s hard work and commitment to the sport of tennis resulted in a career we will never forget.
