How Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf's relationship started bizarrely with a 'stay away' warning from the German about her then-boyfriend
Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are among the most beloved and cherished couples in the tennis world. However, their relationship began on an unusual note, as Graf initially discouraged the American's interest since she was involved with someone else.
In his autobiography 'Open,' Agassi disclosed that he "had a crush" on Graf long before they met, describing being "thunderstruck, dazzled by her understated grace, her effortless beauty." They first crossed paths at the 1992 Wimbledon Champions' Ball, following their respective victories at the grasscourt Major.
Several years later, in 1999, their coaches set up a joint practice session in Key Biscayne. Steffi Graf was puzzled by the move, since Andre Agassi was married to actress Brooke Shields at the time, and she was in a relationship with German racing driver Michael Bartels.
"Our coaches set up practice in 1999 and I was like, 'Why does he want to practice with me? He's married, I've got a boyfriend.' It was all a little confusing to me," she recalled in an interview with Vijay Amritraj.
Unbeknownst to the German, Agassi had already separated from Shields and had turned his attention to winning Graf over by sending over a huge bouquet of roses to her hotel room.
However, Steffi Graf warned Andre Agassi to stay away, explaining that her boyfriend was with her in Florida, and she wanted to avoid any misunderstandings.
"I want no misunderstanding between us. Don't come near me now. My boyfriend is here," Graf told the American.
The German later reminisced about the moment, recalling the beautiful message that accompanied that bouquet. Graf disclosed that she gained clarity about Agassi's intentions when the news of his divorce was publicized shortly afterward. Although it took them a few months to start dating, their relationship progressed quickly.
"But after the practice, I found this beautiful bouquet of roses in my hotel room with a beautiful letter. We had a brief conversation after that where I said that I've got a boyfriend and all I know is that he's married," the German said.
"I had no idea that he's going through a divorce. A few weeks later, I heard about the divorce and understood things a little clearer. It took us a few months, but then, everything went really quick," she added.
Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf then tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Las Vegas after two years together. That same year, the German gave birth to their son Jaden, and their daughter Jaz was born in 2003.
"It was immediately magic between us -- and it still is" - Andre Agassi on knowing Steffi Graf was his 'great love'
In a 2006 interview with Freundin, Andre Agassi shared that he knew from the start that Steffi Graf was the 'great love' of his life, emphasizing that their "magical" connection had endured over the years.
"I knew it from the first moment. It was immediately magic between us -- and it still is today," Andre Agassi said.
Graf, meanwhile, admitted that she wasn't as much of a "fast mover" as her husband, revealing that it took her longer to come to the same realization due to her "reserved" nature.
"I already know you're a fast mover... [Both laugh.] Since I am somewhat more reserved, it took somewhat longer with me," Graf said.
"Yes, only ten years! [Steffi nudges Andre's side]," Agassi joked.
Nevertheless, Steffi Graf disclosed that she recognized there was "something unique and totally special" about her relationship with Andre Agassi. The 22-time Grand Slam champion also acknowledged Agassi's role in helping her adjust after her unexpected decision to retire at just 30 years old in 1999.