![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-812506530.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 11: Andre Agassi attends day eight of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 11, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-812506530.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 11: Andre Agassi attends day eight of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 11, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
The family of the former American tennis player, Andre Agassi, faced many difficulties and hardships on their journey. Agassi’s older sister, Tami Agassi, and his mother, Elizabeth Agassi, both once battled breast cancer. In his autobiography, he revealed some personal details about the hardships they faced during that time.
Agassi’s brave mother supported him throughout his tennis journey. Andre Agassi had a hard time concentrating on tennis in 2000, as both his mother and sister were battling cancer.
Andre Agassi revealed personal details about his mother
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Elizabeth, Agassi’s mother, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. Six months before that, it was his sister who was diagnosed with the same disease. Fortunately, both won their battle against cancer. Despite his family’s struggle, Agassi became the 2000 Australian Open champion by beating defending champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in the final.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-108562622.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Getty
FRANCE – MAY 01: Andre Agassi in Paris, France in May 1990. (Photo by Eric BOUVET/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
In his autobiography, Open, he shared some unknown details about his family. He wrote (Autobiography, Open), “I hurry home to Vegas, to spend time with my mother. But she’s untroubled, absorbed in her books and jigsaw puzzles, putting the rest of us to shame with her unshakable calm.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He further added how he underestimated his mother, as he soon understood that she was a fighter and wasn’t fazed by the deadly disease. Taking his mother’s resilience into consideration, he wrote, “In this perilous moment of her life, she’d like a little credit. But what she wants right now is to be noticed, and appreciated. She wants me to know that she’s stronger than I suspected…She survived my father, as did I. She’ll survive this, and I will too.”
Agassi focused on helping the community grow stronger through his charities
Andre Agassi was known for his diligence, self-discipline and dedication in everything he did. After his retirement, Agassi founded a non-profit organization to support vulnerable children in educational activities.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY – Martina Navratilova once chastised American icon, Andre Agassi, over his substance abuse confession
The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education provides educational opportunities and resources for underserved people. Moreover, the foundation aims to reform public education for underprivileged youth in America.