‘You Can Do It Longer and Make More Money’ – When Andre Agassi Revealed Why His Father Didn’t Want Him to Take Up Tennis

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their children. Take the example of tennis. There can be no better example than Venus and Serena Williams. Their father, Richard Williams introduced them to the sport and worked hard day in and day out to train his daughters in tennis. Like the Williams sisters, American tennis legend, Andre Agassi also has a similar story.

During his youth days, Agassi’s father was his coach. Emmanuel Agassi trained his son in various skills in tennis, making him a force to reckon with on the tennis circuit. However, Agassi once revealed a shocking tale about his father.

Why did Emmanuel Agassi want his son Andre Agassi to take up other sports?

Agassi’s father wanted his son to take up baseball or golf rather than tennis. Explaining why his father felt so, Agassi went on to say, “When people didn’t have my nuanced take on him they just represented him as abusive. But my dad was clear. He said: ‘Andre, I know how I’ve lived and I know who I am and who I’m not. If I could do everything all over again I would change only one thing – I wouldn’t let you play tennis.’ “

Further, he added, “I’d pulled the car over when he said: ‘I would only change one thing.’ I said, ‘Wow, why’s that Dad?’

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He said: “Because I’d make you play baseball or golf so you can do it longer and make more money.’ I got back on the freeway with a chuckle.”

Agassi on taking up a coaching role

During an interview, the former World Number 1 once talked about taking up a coaching role with the likes of Gael Monfils, Nick Kyrgios, and John Isner. He went on to say, “I can point to people that would be fun and interesting. To me, there’s a gap between what Isner, Monfils, and Kyrgios do and what I think they could do.”

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While Isner and Monfils are towards the end of their careers, Kyrgios is at the peak of his career. The Australian star has had a wonderful 2022 season, winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title apart from a consistent run across other tournaments.