"I was called a punk...I just was being me & I was always honest": When Andre Agassi was accused of 'destroying' tennis with his bold style & attitude
Andre Agassi once opened up about how his flamboyant style and audacious attitude sparked criticism, with some accusing him of tarnishing the sport. However, the American emphasized that he was expressing his authentic self through his unique fashion choices, appearance and personality.
Agassi cemented his place as a tennis legend with his illustrious career, winning eight Grand Slam titles, clinching an Olympic gold medal, and holding the World No. 1 ranking for 101 weeks. However, there was a time when the American wasn't seen as a positive influence on the sport.
Early in his career, Andre Agassi was known for his bold fashion and outspoken personality. This was especially evident at the 1988 US Open, when the then-18-year-old made waves by breaking tradition and donning a pair of acid-wash jean shorts by his sponsor Nike.
The rebellious choice came to be known as one of the most iconic fashion moments in the history of the sport. To round out his unconventional look, Agassi sported his signature blond mullet.
In a 2024 interview with Vogue, the former World No. 1 recalled how he was labeled a "punk" for his look at the New York Major and even accused of "destroying" the sport. However, Agassi insisted that while critics considered him harmful to tennis, he felt he was broadening the appeal of the sport.
"Oh my God. In 1988 I was called a punk—I was destroying the game of tennis. I mean, what they call destroying it I called broadening the tent—but whatever. I just was being me, and I was always honest about how I felt about the game," Andre Agassi said.
"Andre Agassi was totally ahead of his time with the jorts, I thought that was the coolest thing" - Steffi Graf
Although Andre Agassi's daring style drew criticism, it also earned his wife and fellow tennis legend Steffi Graf's admiration. In a promotional clip for Pickleball Slam 2 in 2023, Graf expressed her love for his denim jorts look, describing the eight-time Grand Slam champion as a visionary.
The German also gushed over Agassi for pushing the boundaries with his fashion choices, praising his "innovative" style.
"Andre was totally ahead of his time with the jorts. I loved them. I thought that was the coolest thing out there. I mean, you know, I loved fashion and seeing boundaries pushed and something so innovative, I thought that was super cool," Graf said.
The American playfully responded to Graf's praise, saying:
"I was cool. Did you hear that?"
Steffi Graf wasn't alone in her appreciation of Andre Agassi's bold style, as Serena Williams once revealed that her memorable jean skirt at the 2004 US Open was inspired by Agassi's denim jorts, calling it a modern tribute to his "iconic" look.