Andre Agassi has not only spent his life refining his tennis technique, but more admirably, has spent his life refining his character. Understandably, fans have been falling over themselves to pay tribute to Agassi, perhaps the biggest star tennis has. Obviously, Agassi has great athletic talent, but he is so much more than that.
He is more polite, and displays more humility than the average man on the street. Through his charitable work, Agassi has given back to the world more than just about anyone. Andre Agassi is a testament to hard work, perseverance, humility and generosity. Ultimately, he's a terrific ambassador to tennis, to sports, and to humanity.
Agassi's talent certainly didn't come naturally. It came with hard work, and a persistent father. From an early age his father forced tennis into his life. He developed Andre's eye-coordination when he was an infant by hanging tennis balls above his crib. He gave Agassi paddles and balloons when he was still in a high chair.
When Agassi started playing tennis, his ball collection filled 60 garbage cans with 300 balls per can, and Agassi would hit 3,000-5,000 balls every day. 11 years later when he was sixteen, he turned pro. It didn't take long before he was the best tennis player in the world. Even when he was ranked #1 in the world, Andre Agassi always strived to be better. Many have said that he was the hardest working athlete in tennis. Injured, or not, Agassi is a gentleman and always plays full out.
Even when he is being slaughtered by his opponent, Agassi never gives up. If he's going down, he will go down in flames, because he puts his heart into every match. An example of this is when he lost in arguably the best match of all times, against Pete Sampras in the Quarter Final of the US Open in 2001 by 7:6, 6:7, 6:7, 6:7. His perseverance is truly inspiring and the electricity he brings to the court is unforgettable.
The effort Agassi put in during his career took tennis to a totally different demographic; immediately, he created world-wide interest in tennis. Tennis was no longer a strict, boring game. It was now deemed as cool and fun to watch and play. Andre Agassi will go down as one of the players who changed the sport in a lot of ways, not only the way he played, but the way he conducted himself on and off the court.
“To give or not to give?” This is a question that runs through many heads, but not Andre Agassi's. For Andre, generosity comes instinctively. He is a kind man with a good heart and realizes that he has made more money in his life than he is likely able to spend. Agassi has used his excess wealth and used it well.
He created the Andre Agassi Charitable Trust in 1994. It is a college preparatory school for at-risk children in Las Vegas. Since its inception, the Foundation has supported more than 20 organizations and raised more than $60 million for programs designed to enhance a child's character, self-esteem and career possibilities. Because all of the Foundation's operating costs are underwritten, every penny raised goes directly towards improving the lives of at-risk youth. This organization is thought to be, by USA Today, the “gold standard for celebrity sports foundations”.
Agassi does not do that to make the newspaper headlines; he does it for the children. He states: "I have been very blessed and had many opportunities available to me. Children today face so many obstacles. If I can make a positive impact on at least one child's life, then it has all been worthwhile." There is no one as recognizable in tennis. For his humanitarian style alone, Agassi deserves respect and admiration from everybody.
Agassi has certainly come along way from his days of long hair and bright clothing. Before the world's eyes, he has matured into so much more than a gifted tennis player. Remarkably, over the years he has emerged as a compassionate and gracious athlete. Following a victory, he blows kisses to the crowd as a way of thanking his fans and letting them share the glory of his triumph.
Many love Andre Agassi's humility, his reverence for the game he was privileged to play, and his hopefulness that he brought to the court. The crowds came in throngs to watch the entertainer perform his show of dexterity, humor and presence of character. He was always compassionate towards others as only a career underdog could be; he is by far the world's most philanthropic athlete.
His career has demonstrated that redemption does not come from winning, but from working and giving. Agassi has proved through his charity, actions, and quotes, that he is one of the most charismatic and humble players in the world. Even though he did not win or accomplish as much as Michael Jordan, success without character is just numbers.
Thousands gave Agassi a standing ovation following his defeat at the US Open, his final match of his colorful 20 year career. It is safe to say that Andre Agassi is a true, unprecedented legend of tennis. The more impassive Sampras won more, and the more talented Federer will win more, but Agassi's care has won him the love of the world.
Over his 20 years as a professional tennis player, Agassi has struggled, succeeded, battled back from insult and injury, matured, evolved, gave, inspired and secured a place in the hearts of millions of dedicated fans.
