The Australian Open is one of the biggest sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere. ‘The Happy Slam’ was first held in 1905. However, it wasn’t designated as a Grand Slam event until 1923 by the ILTF. Before the 1990s, several top players used to skip this event primarily because of its low prize money and remote location. Even, the American tennis legend Andre Agassi did the same till 1995. And now he regrets that decision.

Agassi didn’t play the first Grand Slam of the season for almost 9 years. But in 1995 he not only appeared for the first time but also won the Australian Open title.

Andre Agassi recalls his struggles with tennis in his early days

In 1995, Andre Agassi defeated his compatriot Pete Sampras by 4-6,6-1,7-6(6),6-4 to win his first major title in Australia. Later on, he went on to clinch three more Grand Slam titles in the ‘Land Down Under.’ He is still the last American to win the Australian Open title. Recently he spoke to Eurosport, recalling his moments from the AO, and here’s what he said.

Talking about his first experience at the Australian Open, Agassi said, “For me, the most memorable was my first trip down. I skipped this tournament for nine years. And, then when I came down I wasn’t sure how I was going to be received. But not only did they embrace me, they led me on to victory the same year.”

Revealing the reason behind the regret, Agassi added, “It was a pretty good memory there. Tennis was something I struggled with in a lot of ways back then. I’m regretful of it because this tournament turned out to be my most successful stop.”

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Out of the 8 major titles, Andre Agassi won 4 of them in Australia. Interestingly enough, he was yet again seen visiting his own and his family’s fond memories in Melbourne.

Agassi showcased love for his wife in Melbourne

The 53YO American tennis legend visited Melbourne Park on Sunday for the first time since 2019. During his recent visit to this special place in Australia, he was seen kissing Steffi Graf’s black and white portrait of holding the 1994 AO title.

Agassi also heaped praise on his former student, who had won the Australian Open 10 times in his career. He believes the 36YO Serbian superstar, Novak Djokovic has still a lot to offer to the sport. “He keeps rewriting all the records, even his own. Here he is, 36, and it looks to me like he’s going on 31. He’ll have a few more years as well,” said Andre Agassi.

Novak Djokovic got off to a winning start to his campaign at the 2024 AO on Sunday. Can the 24Grand Slam title holder make it 25 this time by clinching his 11th AO title?

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