“My first feeling was just sheer shock that it was really over,” ATP great Andre Agassi said, back in 2020, while going down the memory lane over a famous and much-needed 1999 triumph on the Parisian clay court. It was the one campaign that finally made him complete his Career Slam. The victory was special and why not? After failing to cross the finish line in the 1990 and 1991’s Roland Garros, the eight-time slam champion made it happen eight years later. In a five-setter against Ukraine’s Andrei Medvedev, Agassi was the last man standing. And now nearly three decades later, the former tennis great has spilled the beans on why he really wanted to lift the French Open trophy 26 years ago. Seems like it wasn’t just the Career Slam he longed for – but a love story too!

Agassi is happily married to his wife and WTA legend and 22-time slam winner Steffi Graf for 24 years now. Back in the early 1990s, he first saw her and it was a love-at-first-sight. “I’ve had a crush on Steffi since I first saw her on French TV,” he said back then. In fact, he was so mesmerized by her that Agassi was waiting for the legendary Wimbledon Ball (where the men’s and women’s winners would traditionally share a dance). He even bought a tuxedo from Harrods for the occasion. He knew that Graf also won in the women’s category, so there was a chance for them to meet. To his disappointment, the dance was canceled. While fate didn’t bring them together that time, it had other plans.

A decade later, Agassi finally got to fulfil his two special wishes – winning the French Open to complete the Career Slam and be with his future wife. It appears lifting the trophy was extremely important for Agassi to begin his love story. After all, he was under tremendous pressure. To match the brilliance of Graf at the Roland Garros that season. Before his own final battle, she had already won her summit clash on the Parisian clay court. The German beat Martina Hingis with a score line of 4–6, 7–5, 6–2 to clinch her sixth trophy in Paris. Compared to her, Agassi had none till then.

“Two years earlier (1997) I’d fallen from No. 1 in the world to No. 140 in the world and I’d climbed all the way back up again. But still at this time clay was very difficult for me. I almost didn’t play the tournament because of a shoulder issue I was having,” he revealed while talking to Roland Garros’ website in April 2020. However, Agassi backed himself up and gave it all he had during that crunch finale in Paris against Andrei Medvedev. Result? He did it!

Besting the Ukrainian with a score line of 1-6 2-6 6-4 6-3 6-4, he completed the Career Slam. “I’ve got to say it was the best moment I’ve ever had on a tennis court, as far as an accomplishment goes,” he shared. But there was another accomplishment he had after emerging as the French Open winner. He could now take his love life with Graf forward, with a feeling of pride as he and the WTA icon both won their respective finals.

Agassi touched upon this winning feeling during an interaction with Tennis Channel. In an episode of its podcast, dated May 16, he revealed that clinching the Coupe des Mousquetaires became all the more special because “I won it alongside my beautiful bride who, I’m not sure, not sure had I won I would even believe I deserved her.”

“So I think coming back there just reminds me of my life, changed and I’m back there, living with gratitude.” Interestingly, the former American star is now gearing up for a return to the venue where he got to kick-start his romantic life. However, it’s going to be an all-new journey for him this time. A brand new role awaits him!

Andre Agassi set for a French Open comeback after 26 years

In case you missed it, Andre Agassi revealed last month that he’s coming back to the French Open in 2025. Guess what? He will appear in the role of a commentator for TNT Sports’ coverage of the event. Taking to his official Instagram account, the eight-time slam winner wrote, “Excited to see everyone at @rolandgarros on @tntsports!”

He will receive a featured spot during the SF encounters and the summit clash. Agassi will be accompanied by the likes of US sports commentator Brian Anderson and 7-time Slam winning icon John McEnroe. The extended line-up of prominent commentators also includes Chris Evert, Jim Courier, Lindsay Davenport, Caroline Wozniacki, and Venus Williams.

Interestingly, it won’t be the time that Agassi will be seen as a commentator on television. After his retirement in 2006, following the US Open campaign, he made an appearance as a guest commentator. It came during the QF match between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick at the 2007 US Open.

What are your thoughts on Agassi’s return to Paris this season? Are you excited to hear his expert voice while watching the on-court action from the French Open? Let us know in the comments below.