Andre Agassi Confesses to Being ‘Frozen in Fear’ on the Biggest Night of His Tennis Career

Andre Agassi probably had one of the greatest comebacks in the history of tennis. After performing at a level below par and being absent for almost a year, the American player returned with the mindset of a great champion. He also managed to attain a title, which was then held by only one man before him. However, he almost lost out on becoming one of the greats of tennis. 

After a long break, Agassi returned to his normal schedule in 1997, but his lackluster performance ensured his fall. Many believed his career was over, but they were in for a surprise. In 1998, he began a dedicated conditioning program, aiming to come back to the top. 

After focusing on recovery and slowly climbing back, he finally landed in the final of the 1999 French Open. The match was not an easy task as he found himself down by two sets against Andrei Medvedev.

But he found a good footing in the clash as he resorted to thinking of times when he was at the top. “I’m so frozen in fear, I’m down two sets to love in just 47 minutes,” Agassi recalled in an Elite Agent conference. “And, what do you do? The same thing you’ve been learning for years. All the regrets, that side of the learning, all the positives… and you just move your feet, watch the ball, run and try and engage.”

Agassi won the bout and attained the Career Grand Slam achievement i.e., winning all four grand slams once in his career. Before him, only one player held the achievement in the Open Era- Rod Laver.

Andre Agassi after winning the 1999 French Open

In 1996, Agassi, who had won 3 slams, suffered a decline. The fall became sharper as a wrist injury would force him to drop out of many tournaments. After playing 24 matches, he revealed his addiction to crystal methamphetamine in 1996. However, his conditioning helped him come back to the sport as one of its greatest, and he would also go on to win four more grand slams before retiring. 

In an interview, Agassi revealed why he never quit tennis despite the arduous times. While he believed he had the choice to walk away, fear never allowed him to. “Fear of everything, I mean, fears of failing, fears of succeeding, fear of not knowing who you are, knowing who you are, not liking who you are, fear of my father’s growing up, fear of being alone, you know fear of not being enough, you know all that stuff.”

Fear froze during the fated final and fear kept him going. Through fear, Andre Agassi managed to achieve enough glory to be declared one of the greatest of tennis, despite a major fall in his career. His story is inspiring and speaks about the incredible strength a mindset provides. 

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