Agassi back in swing
Andre Agassi just couldn’t stay away.
Three years after ending his illustrious pro tennis career because of chronic back trouble, the Las Vegan will make a comeback of sorts this summer when he competes in World Team Tennis.
Agassi is scheduled to play for the Philadelphia Freedoms on consecutive weeks: July 10 at Philadelphia and July 17 at Newport Beach, Calif. In May, he will play doubles with his wife, former tennis star Steffi Graf, in an exhibition at Wimbledon in the first match under the new retractable roof at Centre Court.
“Tennis has been such a big part of my life,” said Agassi, who turns 39 on April 29. “It’s a fun way for me to stay involved.”
Agassi, winner of eight grand slam titles and 60 career tournaments, hasn’t played professionally since losing to Benjamin Becker in the 2006 U.S. Open. He said he has no intention of returning to championship-level tennis, but admits he has felt competitive urges that made him decide to play a limited schedule.
“I can still hit the ball hard like I know how, and my back is great,” he said. “But I don’t know how much I will be able to do across the board. That’s why I haven’t committed to a full schedule.”
Agassi said Billie Jean King encouraged him to participating in World Team Tennis, which she helped found in 1973 with late Las Vegan George McCall. Agassi agreed to come on board because he didn’t have to commit to playing all the tour stops.
“I’ve always had a long, deep affection for Billie Jean,” Agassi said. “But at the same time, I didn’t want to compromise my home life.”
Graf will not be joining him in the WTT venture.
“With two kids in school, it would have made things very complicated,” he said.
Agassi played World Team Tennis from 2002 to 2004 for the Sacramento Capitals. This year he’ll be joined by several stars past and present, including John McEnroe, Michael Chang, Martina Navratilova, Serena and Venus Williams, Bob and Mike Bryan and Anna Kournikova. Venus Williams will be one of Agassi’s teammates in Philadelphia.
“It’s exciting to have Andre back,” WTT commissioner Ilana Kloss said. “Not only is he one of the game’s greatest ambassadors, but he has a unique connection with the fans. He always brings something special to the court.”
At Wimbledon on May 17, Agassi and Graf will join Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters for a series of exhibitions to dedicate the Wimbledon roof.
“A friend of Stef’s who put the whole thing together approached us a few months ago,” Agassi said. “We were their first phone call, and we were honored to be asked. To be on Centre Court and break with tradition, it’s very special.”
Agassi said he sat through many Wimbledon rain delays over the years, and he expects the covered stadium to improve the quality of the tennis.
“I don’t know how the grass will hold up indoors and if humidity will be a factor, but it will probably lend itself to a higher quality of tennis,” he said. “It’s going to be great for the fans, and it’s great for the players to be able to go through the draw uninterrupted.
“Wimbledon was the toughest tournament for me mentally, because when you had a (rain) delay, it threw your rhythm off. You didn’t know when you’d be back on, so it would take its toll on you. But the thing about tennis is you just have to be tougher than one person, your opponent.”
Agassi said he continues to train with Gil Reyes, his longtime conditioning and strength coach, and will get together with Darren Cahill, his former coach, to prepare for his return to the court.
“I’m excited,” he said. “This is not about pressure anymore. It’s all about having fun.”
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.
