Top tennis players who have made a mark beyond the tennis court

Tennis players are known for their aggression during matches, grunting during rallies, smashing rackets in frustration and their fierce competitive nature. But many tennis stars have another side to their lives, a side that hasn’t shone in the limelight – charity or philanthropy. Innumerable stars, both active and retired, have set up numerous foundations and charitable societies because they feel entitled to give back something to the game that made them what they are. Some have set up tennis foundations that cater to the not-so-fortunate class of society and help underprivileged children by introducing sport as an integral part of their lives.

Here we take a look at some of the players and their respective charitable organizations.

Andre Agassi Foundation and Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf at a bowling event organised by their foundation

One of the greatest players to ever step on a tennis court, and one of the two players to achieve a Golden Slam (the 4 Grand Slams as well as the Olympic Gold), Andre Agassi won 8 Grand Slams during his tennis career. Alumnus of the famous Nick Bollettieri’s academy in Florida, Agassi went on to establish himself amongst the tennis greats with his unique playing style and his bold fashion style.

While he was still a player, Agassi was involved in numerous philanthropic activities. Way back in 1994, the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education had been established, and since its inception, the foundation has amassed $177 million dollars to educate disadvantaged youth, especially children. Agassi was bestowed with the ATP Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in 1995 in recognition of his contribution towards the development of youth.

His foundation also boasts a world-class junior tennis team and a basketball team known as “the Agassi Stars.”

In 2001, his foundation opened the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, an institution that provides free education for at-risk children, those who are susceptible to a disease or those who lack parental or familial guidance.

Agassi has also supported other charitable programs for children, including Child Haven, a residential facility for abused children in Clark County, Nevada.

In addition to this, Agassi has participated in many exhibition tournaments and fundraisers.