‘Never Forgave Him’ – American Icon Andre Agassi’s Love-Hate Relationship With 91-Year-Old Coach Revealed Days After His Death

Andre Agassi, the former ATP World no.1 reconciled with his former coach, Nick Bollettieri, weeks before his unfortunate demise. His former coach, Nick Bollettieri, passed away on December 4. The American had called him, when he was battling for his life, to sort out any ill feelings. The retired tennis player had a tough relationship with his coach during his initial few years on the ATP Tour.

Although Bollettieri has worked with several well-known tennis players throughout his career, Agassi was one of his most talented students. The legendary coach recently passed away at the ripe old age of 91. Numerous tennis players and Agassi showered the coach with heartfelt tributes.

Andre Agassi and his relationship with his former coach, Nick Bollettieri

Caitlin Thompson of Racquet Magazine joined Joe Molloy for an exclusive interview to talk about the life and legacy of the recently deceased Nick Bollettieri. The pair discussed his controversies and famed student Andre Agassi. Thompson shared, “he (Nick Bollettieri) prioritized Boris Becker such that Agassi felt like he was the second fiddle. Agassi up until what I understand never forgave him, he refused to be in a documentary..”

The American former World No.1 paid tribute to his former coach on social media. Agassi revealed that his dear friend, Bollettieri, had graduated away from us. He also thanked the coach for his enthusiastic coaching and adventurous behavior. He had joined Bollettieri’s academy at 13 and worked with him for a decade.

In the interview, the journalist further added, “in fact, it’s only I think in the last 10 days or so that I have heard with Nick being essentially on his deathbed that they had a bit of a reconciliation.”

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She also explained, “Andre wrote a very touching, short but touching tribute to the man on social media. But no, there was no love lost there because Andre felt like Nick had kind of left him behind and worked with his at the time greatest rival Boris Becker.”

Agassi and Bollettieri had a rocky relationship

Nico and Andre parted ways following the 1993 Wimbledon. Agassi had expressed a desire to not devote all of his attention to tennis. At the 1994 Lipton, after he missed Sampras in the championship match, Andre finally found a home with Brad Gilbert. For a long period, Agassi had bounced around from coach to coach.

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In 1993, after winning a grand slam match with Agassi, Bollettieri abruptly ended his relationship with the player who he insisted he loved like a son. Bollettieri didn’t bid Agassi farewell in person but instead wrote him a letter. They hadn’t spoken till the last call they exchanged before his death a few days ago. After getting the call, the well-known tennis coach broke down in tears.

Let us know what you think about the complex student-teacher relationship in the comments below.