American tennis legend Andre Agassi shared a memorable story about how he first connected with his future wife, Steffi Graf, during the 1999 French Open. The moment came when both players had just won the singles titles, providing Agassi the confidence to make a bold move. This story highlights how Andre Agassi meets Steffi Graf at French Open, blending romance and sport in a unique way.
How Andre Agassi Seized the Chance to Approach Steffi Graf in 1999
More than two decades after their marriage, Andre Agassi reminisced about his early attraction to Steffi Graf during their years on the professional tennis circuit. Speaking on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, the 55-year-old recalled the atmosphere around his first French Open triumph at Roland Garros. He described how his then-coach, Brad Gilbert, planned their practice sessions, which inadvertently allowed Agassi opportunities to be near Graf.
Agassi reflected on the significance of 1999, the year both he and Graf won the singles titles at the French Open.
That was the first year they cancelled the dance and uh yeah I was just bummed about that. I tried for a few years wasn’t worthy enough but then we won the French together in ’99, maybe gave me the confidence, maybe I’m worthy now,
—Andre Agassi, tennis legend
His victory helped fuel the courage he needed to reach out during a special occasion.
So, it was her birthday, and I knew that, and so does the world, but I was flying back to London, and I was like, I wanted to just accidentally run into her, and accidentally give her a birthday card that I made, and accidentally leave my phone number on. And so, Brad would schedule practices like, just, it was simple, it just, here go graph plus one. And then I stalked her the whole tournament, so I’d show up early, and I’d act like I stretched,
—Andre Agassi, tennis legend
This deliberate plan to “accidentally” meet and leave a personalized birthday card marked the beginning of their enduring relationship.
Steffi Graf Shares the Guiding Principle She and Andre Agassi Follow in Their Pickleball Pursuits
Although both Agassi and Graf have since retired from professional tennis, they have maintained an active sporting lifestyle through Pickleball. After winning the Pickleball Slam twice consecutively, Graf opened up about a unique rule they follow to keep their partnership positive during practice sessions.
We don’t play against each other. We prefer to be on the same side of the court. We like that pickleball is a community-oriented sport. People who play pickleball also improve quickly. We really want to spread the game. When we’re not traveling, we practice a lot of pickleball. Since we both play, it’s fun to do it together,
—Steffi Graf, former WTA pro
According to Graf, this approach supports both their skill development and strengthens their relationship by fostering teamwork and shared enjoyment.
The story of Andre Agassi meeting Steffi Graf at the French Open in 1999 reveals more than a romantic anecdote; it highlights how success on the court gave the confidence to nurture a relationship that transcended tennis. Their continued collaboration in Pickleball underscores their lasting bond and love for sport, suggesting that their partnership will remain strong as they promote and enjoy new athletic endeavors together.