‘Too Sensitive’- Andre Agassi Says Tennis Needs to Allow Players to Express Themselves More

Andre Agassi, the American tennis veteran, is famous for bringing rage and vigor to the gentleman’s sport. He for sure excelled in terms of skill with a racket, but his on-court antics are what divided the crowd. Once the veteran argued that the players should have more freedom to channel their frustration, the same way he did during his playing days.

Fans always chose favorites. In tennis, the criteria consist of prowess and mannerism. Therefore, some considered Agassi’s indulgence in arguments with umpires and opponents distasteful, while others believed that the player was bringing life to the sport.

The change Andre Agassi wants

In a 2020 interview, the eight-time Grand Slam champion spoke about the changes he would like to see in the current format. He said, “I think a little bit more flexibility in the player’s ability to express themselves. We’ve got a little, too concerned with, too sensitive to communications.”

Thereafter, he added, “Back in the day with Connor or McEnroe and myself, you could say we were definitely not mature times and not handling ourselves ideally. But it sure seems to allow the crowd to engage. So I’d just like to see some reigns kind of taken off the player’s ability to maybe get a little irritated now and then.” 

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Further, Agassi, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras were the biggest influence back then. They ruled the courts and often locked horns with each other to fight for the biggest titles. But unlike the other two, Sampras, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, maintained a more calm and composed demeanor.

Agassi’s achievememts

The American is one of those players who still inspires numerous budding tennis players. His success on the tour was hard earned. Triumphing in the Australian Open, over the defending champion Pete Sampras in 1995, to mark his arrival as a big name on the ATP tour.

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Thereafter, he dominated the Grand Slam Down Under from 2000 to 2003, winning three of the four titles in Australia. Further, the former World no.1, claimed 60 singles titles and brought America a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics.