‘Never Forgave Him’ – American Icon Andre Agassi’s Love-Hate Relationship With 91-Year-Old Coach Revealed Days After His Death
Follow Us
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
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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..”
Trending
Madrid Open: Disappointed Coco Gauff Fans Demand Rightful Streaming of Her Intense Encounter Against Madison Keys
April 29, 2024 06:39 PM EDT
‘RIP Beautiful’ – Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Mourns 15-YO Teenager’s Tragic Death Who Succumbed to Prolonged Bullying
May 01, 2024 03:38 PM EDT
WTA Rankings Update: Aryna Sabalenka’s No. 2 Ranking in Threat as She Narrowly Escapes Humiliation to Coco Gauff
April 30, 2024 04:30 PM EDT
‘Coco Come Collect Your Coach’ – Fans Brutally Troll Brad Gilbert as He Naively Falls for Carlos Alcaraz Involved Misinformation
May 01, 2024 12:05 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Iga Swiatek vs Madison Keys; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
May 02, 2024 07:50 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
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.
🗣"That's when he ditched Andre Agassi for Boris Becker."
🗣"It's only I think in the last 10 days or so…that they had a bit of a reconciliation."
🗣"Andre felt that Nick had left him behind."
Caitlin Thompson reveals surprising Nick Bollettieri details. pic.twitter.com/ywa7xFFn6E
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) December 8, 2022
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.”
Heart-Melting Tributes Pour in After Veteran American Coach’s Death as Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and Maria Sharapova Honor His Legacy -’ No One Told a Story Like You’
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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
WATCH THIS STORY: Serena Williams once revealed her dislike for money.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
Edited by:
Tony Thomas