Andre Agassi, born in Las Vegas in 1970, reached the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in 1995. A professional tennis player who dominated the sport for two decades, he secured 60 ATP Tour-level singles titles and remains one of only three men to complete the career Golden Slam in singles competition.
Early Development and Professional Entry
Born to Emmanuel Agassi and Elizabeth Dudley, Andre Agassi began his path to professional tennis at Nick Bollettieri's Tennis Academy in Florida at age 13. He turned professional at 16, competing in his first tournament at La Quinta, California. By the end of 1986, he held a world ranking of 91. His rapid ascent saw him surpass one million dollars in career prize money in 1988 after only 43 tournaments, setting a record for the fastest player in history to reach that financial milestone.
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Agassi won eight major singles titles during his career. His first major victory occurred at the 1992 Wimbledon Championships. Following a period of injury and personal challenges that saw his ranking drop to No. 141 in 1997, he utilized a rigorous training program to return to the world No. 1 position in 1999. That year, he won the French Open to complete the career Golden Slam. He remained a force in the sport until his retirement after the 2006 US Open.
Professional Honors and Legacy
Beyond his major titles, Agassi was a consistent presence in team competition, representing the United States in winning Davis Cup efforts in 1990, 1992, and 1995. He earned an Olympic gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games. In 2011, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. His career accolades also include being named the 1999 L'Équipe Champion of Champions.
Philanthropic Work
Outside of his athletic career, Agassi founded the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. The organization has raised more than $60 million to support at-risk children in Southern Nevada. In 2001, the Foundation opened the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, a public K-12 charter school designed to provide education for at-risk youth.
Fast facts
- Born: 1970, Las Vegas, United States
- Professional debut: 1986
- Total ATP singles titles: 60
- Grand Slam major titles: 8
- Olympic gold medals: 1
- International Tennis Hall of Fame induction: 2011
- Spouse: Steffi Graf (married 2001)
- Foundation fundraising: Over $60 million
Questions readers ask
What surfaces did Agassi conquer in his career?
He was the first man to win all four major singles titles across three different surfaces: hard, clay, and grass.
Is he still involved in the sport?
Agassi retired from professional tennis following the 2006 US Open.
Achievements
- International Tennis Hall of Fame
- L'Équipe Champion of Champions
- Competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics
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