"Andre Agassi didn't have to do that, he had all the money and fame" - When American legend won Mary Carillo's approval for maturing into a 'grown-up'
Mary Carillo, a former American tennis player turned commentator, once commented on the incredible evolution of Andre Agassi over the course of his illustrious career. Carillo lavished praise on Agassi for his personal growth, crediting him for maturing over time despite gaining success with his brash persona.
When Agassi first broke out on tour, he was known for his long blonde mullet, and fiery and expressive behavior on the court. His rebellious nature extended to his style choices, as he donned a pair of jean shorts at the 1988 US Open.
However, by the time he retired at the 2006 US Open, Andre Agassi had undergone a transformation. The former World No. 1 had embraced his baldness, calmed his explosive temperament and become a family man after tying the knot with fellow tennis legend Steffi Graf in 2001, the same year they welcomed their son Jaden, followed by their daughter Jaz in 2003.
In a 2006 interview with Sports Illustrated, Mary Carillo applauded the eight-time Grand Slam champion for choosing to mature into a "grown-up." She pointed out that Agassi didn't need to change his personality since he had already amassed immense wealth and fame.
"He decided to be a grown-up. He didn't have to do that. He had all the money and fame. He didn't have to become a great champion, either. But he did both. Now you really feel there's a soul in that guy," Carillo said.
Jim Courier, who knew Andre Agassi since they trained together at Nick Bollettieri's academy as teenagers, echoed Carillo's sentiments and highlighted how much his compatriot had changed over the years.
"He's changed as much as anyone I've ever seen," Courier said.
Andre Agassi: "I went through some heavy transitions, discovering and learning myself along the way"
Andre Agassi himself has acknowledged the "heavy transitions" he underwent during his playing days. In a 2015 interview with Harvard Business Review, the former World No. 1 reflected on his evolution since he was a teenager, highlighting his "authentic" journey of self-discovery.
"I would challenge any adult to look at their teenaged self and tell me what they recognize. I went through some heavy transitions, discovering and learning myself along the way. But it was all authentic," Agassi said.
Agassi also credited his wife, fellow tennis legend Steffi Graf, as an inspiring mentor, disclosing that she had influenced him to be more efficient in all aspects of his life.
"I would say my wife, who inspires me in a lot of ways. I’m more efficient in everything I do because of how she chooses to be. There are things she clearly cares about and things she doesn’t. She just doesn’t have energy for stuff that isn’t contributing to her engagement. And that clarity is a jewel," he said.
Andre Agassi further emphasized the importance of learning to manage his emotions on the court, highlighting that removing the emotional aspect from his game allowed him to be more disciplined.