‘I Didn’t Make the Effort’- Andre Agassi Recollects Regretful Moments of His Career

Andre Agassi, the American tennis veteran, in his 21-year-long career, claimed 8 Grand Slam and 17 masters titles. Though Agassi was successful on all surfaces, he performed majestically on the hard courts of Australia.

He has 4 Australian Open titles to his name, with two coming in consecutive years. And as the American became undefeatable there, he gained several fans who supported him unconditionally.

Andre Agassi about not giving enough time to the Australian Open

Agassi recently sat down for an interview and spoke about his journey in the tournament and shared his concern about starting late. He said, “One of my great regrets ever. However, to know I turned pro in 86 and didn’t play until 1995. I wish I would have played it more.”

Further, he added, “I was really taken by how I was embraced. And really regretful that I didn’t make the effort a lot earlier in my career to create those memories. Because Australian tennis fans it’s in their blood and it’s intoxicating. It’s inspiring, and it certainly brought out the best in me.”

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Agassi in his debut year defeated the 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras in the final to claim the trophy. Sampras, who participated as the defending champion, got outclassed in four sets of 6-4, 1-6, 6-7(6), 4-6.

Agassi’s rivalry with Sampras and McEnroe

Speaking of Pete Sampras and Agassi, both the former World No.1s have clashed 34 times in their careers. Sampras ended up being the dominant force in this rivalry, ending up with a lead of 20-14. Their last meeting was on the outdoor hard courts of the US Open in the year 2002. In the finale of the US Open, Sampras, who was playing his last Grand Slam, outclassed Agassi in a four set long match of 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

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Further, other major players of that time, like John McEnroe, have also locked horns with Agassi. However, Agassi and McEnroe have had only four encounters and their head-to-head scores are tied at 2 victories each. Their last clash was in the grass courts of Wimbledon, where McEnroe failed to secure a spot in the finals and lost in straight sets.