Home/Tennis

via Imago

via Imago

Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi crossed paths in the City of Love, Paris, during Roland Garros in 1999. After recovering from setbacks in the initial rounds, the renowned tennis stars went on to win the French Open that year. It was just the beginning of a wonderful journey together for the legendary tennis players.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Both Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf have had successful careers on the tennis court. However, the duo has enjoyed much attention off the court because of their well-publicized love affair in the late 1990s and subsequent marriage in October 2001. Last year, the two former world no.1s sat down for an interview with the Hindustan Times to discuss their relationship and how easy it was for Graf to adjust to life out of the spotlight.

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf get candid in an interview

During the interview, the host inquired as to the reasons for the twenty-two-time Grand Slam champion’s sudden retirement from the sport. Graf said, “I think and through my career I showed that I think you know may be I am more of a reserved and private person, so I think it was an easy transition for me to move away from the career”.

Also read- ‘Lost So Many Matches After I Had Olympia’ – Serena Williams Tells Hangover Star Bradley Cooper Why It Was Difficult to Play Tennis After Becoming a Mother

via Getty

She added that she was looking forward to life beyond her career as a tennis ace. Starting when she was just four years old, she was constantly engrossed in something, until tennis eventually became her primary focus. And so it was that she was prepared to leave tennis behind. “I was really ready for, you know,” Graf continued. When Agassi chimed in and said “me,” his wife gleefully responded, “Yeah, for you!”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Closing off, the host asked Steffi if she agreed with her husband’s view that they were perfect for each other considering their childhood and the way they were brought up. Graf said, “Totally, totally…I keep on saying, you know the sport gave us the, you know each other, it gave us our families, our life and the ability to choose the time and how to spend it and really appreciate what we have.” Agassi joked in the middle of the conversation, “And then if you think about it and how I really win is if she leaves me and I get half of everything.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Notably, Agassi had a tumultuous first marriage with the Hollywood star, Brooke Shields. The couple were married for two years from 1997 to 1999, a period that saw the American player endure a tough time, both on and off the court.

Watch this story- Venus Williams in Awe of Serena Williams’ Growing Friendship With Gigi and Bella Hadid at Vogue World Runway Show