Steffi Graf recently posted a video showcasing a rare tennis match against her husband, Andre Agassi, highlighting the competitive spirit shared by the former champions. The footage, shared on her Instagram stories, featured Graf, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, executing a swift forehand that Andre Agassi was unable to return during their mixed doubles play.
This encounter between the tennis legends offers a glimpse into their friendly rivalry while engaging with the sport they both helped shape.
The Journey of Tennis’s Power Couple
Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi have been known as one of the sport’s most iconic couples since they married in 2001. Their relationship began after meeting at Wimbledon in 1992, but it developed into a lasting bond in the late 1990s. Now residing in Las Vegas, they have built a family with their two children, Jaden and Jaz, and continue to stay connected to tennis through philanthropic efforts and selective exhibition matches.
In addition to tennis, both have embraced the growing popularity of pickleball, often participating together in legends tournaments. Graf’s recent video also showed her partnering with former ATP player Justin Gimelstob in a mixed doubles match on a clay court, with Agassi positioned on the opposite side unable to reach her powerful shots.
Regarding their competitive dynamic, Graf shared insights in a March interview with the German publication Bild, emphasizing their cooperative rather than confrontational approach to play.
“We don’t play against each other. We prefer to be on the same side of the court,” —Steffi Graf
How Pickleball Has Strengthened Their Relationship
Andre Agassi recently explained on the Bad Calls – Pickleball Podcast how pickleball has not only offered fresh excitement but has also strengthened social bonds for him and Graf. He emphasized how the sport has helped them form new friendships and deepened their sense of community.
“This might say more about me than I care to admit, but me and Steff actually make friends. You know how hard it is to make friends. I’m 55 years old. I mean, it’s sad but true. It’s hard, right? The older you get, the less people in your life, right? But pickle(ball) has actually turned that on its head. It’s like we have people we just enjoy being with. Pickleball court, running into them at dinner somewhere, going out,” —Andre Agassi
They have demonstrated their enthusiasm and skills in pickleball at events such as the Pickleball Slam, where these legends blend competitive spirit with social enjoyment. The close nature of the sport has created a unique environment that fosters connection, as further noted by Graf.
“I think the proximity that you have with each other creates a powerful platform to test yourself in such a personal way, but you don’t feel alone in it. Like you feel connected a lot more to the people you’re playing against than you would ever necessarily feel, maybe on a bigger court, right?” —Steffi Graf
Lasting Impact of Their Athletic Partnership
The athletic partnership between Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi continues to inspire fans around the world, serving as a testament to shared passion and mutual support beyond their professional careers. Their occasional matches, whether on the tennis court or pickleball court, emphasize the importance of camaraderie and connection in sports.
As they maintain their active involvement in tennis-related activities and embrace newer pursuits like pickleball, their bond offers a hopeful example of how competition can coexist with deep personal relationships. Future appearances at exhibition or legends events are likely to continue drawing attention to their enduring legacy in the sports world.