"When my and Steffi Graf's family comes, it's hard to say, 'let's play tennis together'"- Andre Agassi uncovers his and wife's new ritual
Andre Agassi recently revealed the activity he and his wife Steffi Graf indulge in when their respective families pay a visit. The American explained why the couple refrains from playing tennis when spending time with them.
Agassi was recently in Mumbai to launch pickleball’s PWR DUPR India League, which will be set in motion in January 2025. During the press conference at the event, the eight-time Grand Slam champion said that despite their legendary achievements in tennis, he and his wife, Graf, prefer pickleball sessions when their loved ones come over.
"When my family comes to town and my wife’s family comes to town, it’s hard to say, ‘Let’s go play tennis together,’" he said.
Andre Agassi pointed out that pickleball, which is relatively easier to pick up, establishes a level playing field among the non-tennis-playing members of their families.
"And it’s not because, actually, me playing it my whole life gives us a chance because I know what I’m doing, but people - it takes them a year to really start to get a lot out of tennis," he added.
"Anybody can pick up a pickleball racket, anybody. It’s not intimidating. You grab the paddle and you try it and every ten minutes you get better. I don’t care what level you play at."
Andre Agassi on his and Steffi Graf’s pickleball ritual: "It’s been a great outlet for me and my wife"
Andre Agassi explored pickleball in late 2022, just months before he competed in the Pickleball Slam exhibition event alongside fellow former Grand Slam champions Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, and Michael Chang. Steffi Graf soon joined in, following her cameo at the event.
Agassi noted that the paddle sport has been a regular part of his and his wife’s fitness regimen.
"The last two years I’ve been playing quite a lot. It’s been a great outlet for me and my wife," he said during the aforementioned press conference. "Fantastic exercise."
"Those of you that watch it from a distance might think, ‘Oh, maybe old people play it.’ I guess I’m a little old, but I promise you, you could challenge yourself at any level that you pour yourself into," the former World No. 1 added.
After her cameo in 2023, Steffi Graf officially partnered with her husband at the 2024 Pickleball Slam event. The couple won the title, beating the pair of John McEnroe and Maria Sharapova.
They are all set to light up the court again during the third edition on February 16, 2025. Agassi and Graf will be up against Andy Roddick and Eugenie Bouchard.