“I think you should have the freedom to express what you feel. Wearing colors is what tennis needs,” Andre Agassi once declared, perfectly capturing his trailblazing approach to both fashion and sport. Throughout his legendary 20-year career, the American transformed the tennis court into a runway, making headlines with his bold mullets, neon bandanas, and eye-catching Nike gear after partnering with the brand in 1988. Even 19 years after retirement, the 8-time GS champion continues to be a fashion icon, his 1995 AO look still etched in memory. Now, reflecting on his style legacy, Agassi reveals the outfit that stirred up the most controversy, the very one that left the ITF President fuming. 

Andre Agassi’s iconic fashion journey on the tennis court is as legendary as his career. Starting his countdown of favorite outfits, Agassi once reminisced about his bold “pirate look” from the 1995 AO. With baggy patterned shorts, a loose burgundy-striped shirt, a matching bandana, hoop earrings, and a goatee, Agassi’s “privateer-inspired” ensemble made waves. That year marked his debut at the AO, where he clinched his 3rd GS title by defeating top seed and rival Pete Sampras in a dramatic four-set final. 

It wasn’t just a win, it was a statement, both in sport and style. However, it was his 2nd-favorite outfit that ruffled the most feathers. At just 18, Agassi burst onto the scene at the 1988 US Open sporting “acid-wash jean shorts” specially designed by Nike. As a symbol of nonconformity, one of his iconic outfits once incurred the displeasure of the ITF President; Agassi recently revisited this controversy, proudly displaying the ensemble that challenged established tennis conventions.

Speaking to the Tennis Channel podcast recently, the American said, “You know, I I have to say the hot lavas, you know, the hot lavas were, were were the deal. You know, people called them pink, but they were hot lava. They make no mistake about it. You know, you put them on and you can’t imagine used to run around in them. But the truth is they were, you know, I always enjoyed that three quarter, that three quarter shoe until, you know, technology advanced itself.”

“But yeah, that was the outfit there that I think kind of kind of let it for me, you know, I mean, it took Paris didn’t like it too much. You, you know, the president of the ITF there, the Tennis Federation, took issue and wanted to implement a dress code because of this outfit. And so I appropriately called him a bozo in the in the press conference and acted my age. But at the same time that that outfit left the mark,” he continued. However, which outfit of his caused outrage for the ITF president?

Andre Agassi’s fashion sense once sparked a major controversy at the 1990 French Open. On June 1, tensions flared when ITF President Philippe Chatrier threatened sanctions against players wearing colorful attire. Chatrier noted that Agassi’s clothing had “disturbed” several members of the tournament committee and hinted at introducing new dress regulations. 

Throughout the tournament’s first week, Agassi had been making bold statements in black denim shorts and pink tights. In response to Chatrier’s remarks, the American didn’t hold back, quoting, “Chatrier, he’s a bozo.” He responded, “The way Chatrier is handling the situation is a perfect example of why the tennis players wanted to start their own tour.”

And while controversy followed his wardrobe, Agassi has since reflected on the legacy of his bold looks. Embracing his impact on and off the court, he once described as the “accidental icon,” acknowledging how his unique style left a lasting mark on tennis culture.

Andre Agassi opened up about being called a fashion savant

Andre Agassi was frequently the center of fashion debates during his career, but the tennis legend never allowed public opinion to dictate his on-court fashion style. He became synonymous with bold, unconventional looks that disrupted the sport’s traditional norms. In fact, a 1995 “L.A. Times” article famously dubbed him both an “accidental icon” and a “fashion savant.” Agassi’s reaction?

“Wow [laughs], that’s kind of a backhanded compliment. But everything I did in 1995 was an accident. I was very accident-prone. I stumbled into one hell of a life. So, I think that it was a fair comment. A lot of people at the time thought I was expressing myself, but I was really exploring myself.”

Even within Nike, his bold style raised eyebrows. Devon Burt, Nike’s creative director at the time, once referred to one of Agassi’s collections as “ugly.” In response, the American stood by his vision: “The goal was never to be ugly in my mind…I was always clear. I was anti-establishment for a long time, which morphed into other perspectives.”

When Agassi entered professional tennis, the sport had a rigid sense of decorum, both in behavior and appearance. But for him, it was a blank slate. “It seemed like a perfect canvas to disturb the peace,” he recalled, signaling his intent to challenge norms and push boundaries.

Now, as he prepares to join the French Open commentary team, his fashion legacy remains iconic. While the racquet may be set down, Agassi’s style will continue to echo through the clay courts of Paris.