Tennis Icons Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf Reveal the Secret Behind Their Enduring Marriage
For nearly two decades, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf dominated the global tennis circuit, collecting an astonishing array of trophies and setting records that still shape the sport today. Yet, their influence transcends the tennis court, as the pair have continued to inspire not only through their athletic achievements, but also with the longevity and strength of their partnership. More than twenty years after tying the knot, Agassi and Graf have shared rare insights into the golden rule they live by to keep their marriage harmonious both on and off the court.
Steffi Graf, a German tennis prodigy whose career spanned from 1982 to 1999, stunned the world with her haul of 22 Grand Slam titles. Remarkably, she remains the only player in history to have won each of the major championships at least four times. Her husband, American star Andre Agassi, matched her relentless drive, notching up eight Grand Slam titles between 1986 and 2006. In 2001, after years of sharing fierce competitive spirits but travelling distinct journeys, the two superstars united in marriage.
Since then, the couple—now both 55—has settled into a vibrant family life, raising their son Jaden Gil and daughter Jaz Elle, currently 23 and 21 respectively. Yet, the casual observer might be surprised to learn that athleticism continues to feature at the heart of their family dynamic, thanks to the rapid rise of pickleball—a sport that has taken the United States by storm and captured the Agassi-Graf household during the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020.
Discussing their routine, Graf revealed in a candid interview that pickleball had “filled a huge tennis-shaped gap” in their lives since retiring from professional play. But, perhaps more interestingly, she highlighted a crucial decision that has kept their competitive instincts from overshadowing their relationship. “We don’t play against each other. We prefer to be on the same side of the court,” Graf explained. This sentiment, a nod to unity over rivalry, seems to anchor the couple’s enduring connection.
For Agassi, the social aspect of pickleball further enhances its appeal. “We like that pickleball is a community-oriented sport. People who play pickleball also improve quickly,” he remarked. Both have made it a joint mission to promote the game, dedicating generous portions of their off-court time to mastering, sharing, and advocating for the sport. It has become an activity that the family can enjoy collectively—a foundation of shared experiences underpinning their marriage.
The duo have recently translated their sporting prowess from tennis to pickleball with remarkable success. Earlier this year, they celebrated yet another victory—defending their Pickleball Slam crown for the third consecutive time. Competing as a team, they overcame former US Open champion Andy Roddick and Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard in Las Vegas, securing a substantial $1 million prize—a testament to their enduring athletic chemistry.
Even away from the court, Agassi and Graf maintain a close-knit family atmosphere. Agassi described how family interactions have evolved, mentioning their recent ‘triple date’ evening. Together with their two children and their partners, the family took the opportunity to connect and converse as equals. Speaking warmly of these moments, Agassi observed, “We feel like peers around them, we respect them, we seek their opinion on things… it really feels like a healthy season in life.”
Their partnership demonstrates the importance of finding common ground and mutual respect. By consciously choosing teamwork over competition, even in pursuits reminiscent of their professional past, the duo have managed to cultivate both a winning formula for sport and a lasting model of companionship.
In a world where high-profile relationships often struggle under the weight of the spotlight, the Agassi-Graf union remains a beacon of steadfastness and inspiration. Enthusiasts and fans around the world continue to look to the pair, not only for their sporting exploits, but for lessons in building lasting partnerships rooted in teamwork and understanding.
As pickleball continues to expand in popularity and their children mature into adults with lives of their own, Agassi and Graf’s story persists as a compelling example—where love, respect, and sharing the court, in every sense, are the real trophies.