Home

Tennis

‘Son of a B**ch’- Despite Staying in Constant Denial, American Legend Andre Agassi’s Unruly Rant Proved to Be Costly at 1990 US Open

Published Aug 6, 2023 | 12:17 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

In the pages of American tennis history, few names shine as brightly as Andre Agassis’. A true legend of the sport, the enigmatic Agassi has mesmerized audiences with his exceptional skills and fiery passion on the court. However, an incident back at the 1990 US Open tarnished his reputation when he was charged with a hefty $3,000 fine for a massive outburst against the chair umpire.

Denying the allegations very strongly, Agassi’s actions were caught on tape and served as evidence against him. As tennis enthusiasts worldwide grapple with the shocking news, we delve deeper into the events that unfolded on that fateful day.

Agassi’s fiery outburst unleashed

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

During his second-round match against Petr Korda, Agassi’s emotions got the better of him, leading to a dramatic altercation with the chair umpire, Wayne McKewen. In the heat of the match, the 20-year-old uttered an audible obscenity and called McKewen a “son of a b**ch,” creating tension in the stadium.

As things heated up, Agassi’s emotions got out of control, and he ended up allegedly spitting at the umpire. McKewen, sitting high above the court in the usual umpire’s chair, was not only shocked by Agassi’s outburst but also felt disrespected by the spitting incident.

Trending

Roger Federer Turns Teary Eyed Over Wife Mirka Breaking 15-Year Long Silence for His Upcoming Documentary

Italian Open: Aryna Sabalenka Channels Her Inner Model as She Sports Chic Outfit Inspired by the Streets of Rome

‘Never Seen a Sport Self Sabotage Like This’- American Tennis Fans Disgruntled by Danielle Collins, Victoria Azarenka, and Others Not Finding a Streaming Slot

Coco Gauff’s Coach’s Call for a Serious Action Backfires After Fans Use the Occasion to Criticize American’s Shortcomings

Down and Out Coco Gauff Blasts Chair Umpire for Iga Swiatek Bias in Heated Italian Open Scenes

via Getty

Following the incident, Grand Slam supervisor Ken Farrar intervened to assess the situation. While McKewen issued a warning for the obscenity, he penalized Agassi with a point deduction for spitting. However, this decision was later reversed when Agassi claimed that the spitting was unintentional due to the height difference between him and the umpire.

ALSO READ: ‘He Would Do Anything..’- Rising American Tennis Star Divulges Mentor Andre Agassi’s Humanitarian Side in an Intense Confession

Nevertheless, the exclusive tournament video evidence painted a different picture.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Umpire’s indignity and Agassi’s spitting incident

Agassi staunchly denied the accusations against him, stating that he never cursed or spat at the umpire. However, upon reviewing the footage, officials deemed it necessary to levy a fine of $3,000 for what they termed “unsportsmanlike conduct, audible obscenities, and spitting.” as reported by NY Times.

Andre Agassi’s legacy is undeniably one of raw talent, passion, and unforgettable moments on the tennis court. However, this throwback incident serves as a stark reminder that even legends can falter and show moments of indiscretion. Fans, commentators, and fellow players have expressed disappointment in Agassi’s behavior, urging him to reflect on his actions and set a positive example for younger athletes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In the world of professional sports, emotions can run high, but maintaining composure in challenging situations is the mark of a true champion.

WATCH THIS STORY: All You Need To Know About American Prodigy Sebastian Korda and Andre Agassi’s Special Relationship

Written by:

Ansh Tandon

467Articles

One take at a time

Ansh Tandon is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. Ansh received his undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and has been working in content creation for 2+ years. Before Ansh stepped into sports journalism, he was a professional tennis player, honing his skills in national level tournaments for the past 12 years as an active AITA athlete.
Show More>

Edited by:

Bhavani Singh