“Every forehand is foreplay”: Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf first hitting session once left him with shameful feelings not shared
Andre Agassi once said that hitting tennis balls with Steffi Graf in 1999 felt like “foreplay.” It was their first practice together in Key Biscayne, Florida. Their coaches set it up, Andre Agassi’s coach Brad Gilbert and Graf’s coach Heinz Günthardt. At that time, Andre Agassi was still married to actress Brooke Shields, while Steffi Graf was dating German racing driver Michael Bartels. In his 2009 book Open, Agassi wrote that he was “shameless” in trying to get her attention, even taking off his shirt when walking on court. That moment became the start of one of tennis’ most famous love stories.
Andre Agassi’s first practice with Steffi Graf in 1999
Andre Agassi had admired Steffi Graf long before he met her. He was upset when he could not dance with her after both won Wimbledon titles in 1992. In 1999, in Key Biscayne, he finally got his chance to play with her. In his memoir, Agassi wrote:
“Every forehand is foreplay … It’s like touching her, though we’re forty feet apart.”
He said he was nervous and kept missing balls, while Graf played with her usual flawless style. To impress her, Agassi sent a large bouquet of red roses to her hotel room after the session.
But Steffi Graf reminded him she already had a boyfriend. At that time, she was in a long relationship with Michael Bartels.
Steffi Graf recalls how the romance with Andre Agassi began after the practice
In an interview with Vijay Amritraj, Steffi Graf admitted she was confused when Agassi wanted to hit with her because she thought he was still married. She said:
“Our coaches set up practice in 1999 and I was like, ‘Why does he want to practice with me? He’s married. I’ve got a boyfriend.’”
Also Read: Andre Agassi And Steffi Graf Children: All About Their 2 Kids, Career And Bond With Parents
A few weeks later, Steffi Graf learned Andre Agassi was getting divorced from Brooke Shields. That changed things. She received his roses and a heartfelt letter. Soon after, they started dating. By 2001, the two married in Las Vegas.
Both Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf later said that the 1999 practice was the true starting point of their relationship. Today, they live together with their two children, still known as one of tennis’ most powerful couples.
Andre Agassi’s first practice with Steffi Graf in 1999
Andre Agassi had admired Steffi Graf long before he met her. He was upset when he could not dance with her after both won Wimbledon titles in 1992. In 1999, in Key Biscayne, he finally got his chance to play with her. In his memoir, Agassi wrote:
“Every forehand is foreplay … It’s like touching her, though we’re forty feet apart.”
He said he was nervous and kept missing balls, while Graf played with her usual flawless style. To impress her, Agassi sent a large bouquet of red roses to her hotel room after the session.
But Steffi Graf reminded him she already had a boyfriend. At that time, she was in a long relationship with Michael Bartels.
Steffi Graf recalls how the romance with Andre Agassi began after the practice
In an interview with Vijay Amritraj, Steffi Graf admitted she was confused when Agassi wanted to hit with her because she thought he was still married. She said:
“Our coaches set up practice in 1999 and I was like, ‘Why does he want to practice with me? He’s married. I’ve got a boyfriend.’”
Also Read: Andre Agassi And Steffi Graf Children: All About Their 2 Kids, Career And Bond With Parents
A few weeks later, Steffi Graf learned Andre Agassi was getting divorced from Brooke Shields. That changed things. She received his roses and a heartfelt letter. Soon after, they started dating. By 2001, the two married in Las Vegas.
Both Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf later said that the 1999 practice was the true starting point of their relationship. Today, they live together with their two children, still known as one of tennis’ most powerful couples.
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