After a lengthy hiatus, former American tennis star Andre Agassi is set to return to the French Open, but this time in a fresh capacity as a commentator. His reappearance at Roland Garros in 2025 marks his first visit since winning the tournament in 1999, highlighting the significance of his Andre Agassi sabbatical and French Open return.
A Glimpse Back: Agassi’s Historic 1999 French Open Victory
Andre Agassi sealed his career Grand Slam at the 1999 French Open with a memorable final against Ukraine’s Andrei Medvedev. Initially stumbling by dropping the first two sets, Agassi rallied to win the next three, cementing his legacy with a hard-fought triumph. This victory was particularly meaningful following previous losses in the finals of 1990 and 1991. Reflecting on that moment, Agassi shared in a 2020 interview with Roland Garros,
“My first feeling was just sheer shock that it was really over,”
emphasizing the emotional weight of completing his career slam.
Transition to Commentary: Agassi’s New Role at the French Open
After more than two decades away from competitive tennis, Agassi will now contribute his expertise as a commentator during the semifinal matches for TNT Sports. This marks his first time back at Roland Garros in a professional capacity since his championship win. He joins an elite group of former tennis icons who serve as commentators, including Chris Evert, Jim Courier, Lindsay Davenport, Caroline Wozniacki, and Venus Williams, enhancing the broadcast with seasoned perspectives.
Family Influence and Life Beyond Tennis
Agassi’s retreat from active tennis competition largely stemmed from a desire to prioritize his family, especially after marrying WTA legend Steffi Graf in 2001. In a candid discussion on Andy Roddick’s Served podcast in June 2025, Agassi opened up about the commitments he made to Steffi:
“I can’t say I look at my life in sort of decades because I’m really not the kind of person who maps out anything. But I sort of follow the ripples and it was really important for me to stay true to something I promised Steffi (Graf) when we first met, which is like after she really kind of knew me.”
He admitted that balancing his personal life was a delicate endeavor, noting,
“I’m not going to be too busy, I’m not going to be too bored because I’m really dangerous in both scenarios.”
The couple embraced parenthood with the birth of their son Jaden in 2001, followed by their daughter Jaz in 2003. Agassi reflected on this phase of life, commenting,
“I think when the kids sort of, you know that emptiness thing and all of a sudden that chapter you kind of move into a different season in life.”
These statements underscore how family responsibilities shaped his sabbatical from professional tennis.
Agassi’s Rising Enthusiasm for Pickleball
Beyond his tennis legacy, Agassi has recently developed a strong passion for pickleball, a paddle sport rapidly growing in popularity across the United States. Both he and Steffi Graf have actively competed in prominent pickleball tournaments, including the Pickleball Slam, where they have already secured their second title this season, accompanied by a significant $1 million prize.
Agassi has voiced his affection for pickleball not only as a player but also as an investor and advocate. He stated,
“Having been involved with pickleball as an advocate, investor, and player, I’ve grown to love all the sport has to offer to so many people. As I have become more involved in recent years, I’ve recognized how much opportunity exists to grow the sport, all while promoting health of body and mind.”
This enthusiasm reflects Agassi’s broader commitment to sports and wellness beyond tennis.
Establishing Agassi Sports Entertainment to Promote Pickleball and Padel
Further emphasizing his dedication to emerging sports, Agassi announced the launch of Agassi Sports Entertainment (ASE) in April 2025, aiming to foster growth in pickleball and padel through various initiatives. His Instagram post revealed,
“Excited to announce Agassi Sports Entertainment. I’ve been very passionate about the growth opportunities in pickleball and padel and this venture will help us bring even more to the sport through youth activities, school teams, and scholarships, to major league action, streaming media, and everything in between.”
He added,
“AASP aims to play a leading role in spreading the fun, wellness, social interaction, and business of pickleball around the world.”
Agassi’s Competitive Debut in Professional Pickleball
Agassi made his professional pickleball debut last month at the US Open Pickleball Championships, competing in mixed doubles alongside Anna Leigh Waters, the 18-year-old top-ranked pro player. Demonstrating impressive skill, they won their opening match against 13-year-old Stevie Petropouleas and 16-year-old Tristan Dussault with scores of 11-8, 9-11, and 11-7. However, their tournament run was cut short when they were defeated by the team of Len Yang and Trang Huynh-McClain in a closely contested three-set match, finishing 7-11, 11-4, 11-7.
Anticipating Agassi’s Impact as a French Open Commentator
As Andre Agassi transitions into sports commentary at Roland Garros, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his deep understanding of tennis will translate into this new role. His presence offers a fresh yet expert perspective on the semifinal matches, adding to the event’s rich narrative. Given his storied history at the French Open and ongoing involvement in sports, Agassi’s return carries both sentimental value and a renewed sense of purpose within the tennis community.
Whether his commentary will spark a revived connection to his legendary playing days or bring new insights to viewers remains to be seen. Agassi’s journey illustrates a compelling blend of past glory and future potential, leaving audiences hopeful and curious about what lies ahead in his evolving sporting career.