Few romances in sport have captivated the public quite like that of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. Both legends of the game in their own right, they built careers defined by Grand Slam triumphs before finding something even greater in each other: a lifelong partnership.
Crossed Paths in the 1990s
Agassi and Graf first met fleetingly on the professional circuit in the early 1990s, when both were at the height of their powers. Graf, the elegant and focused German champion, was dominating women’s tennis with her unrivaled blend of precision and athleticism. Agassi, the flamboyant American with long hair and rock-star charisma, was beginning to fulfill his enormous promise. Despite being contemporaries, their interactions were limited to occasional shared events and photo shoots. At the time, both were involved in other relationships — Agassi with actress Brooke Shields, Graf with racing driver Michael Bartels.
From Friendship to Romance
By the late 1990s, life changes brought them closer together. Agassi’s marriage to Shields ended in divorce in 1999, and Graf retired from tennis the same year after winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles. That summer, Agassi asked Graf to join him for dinner after the French Open. What began as quiet companionship soon blossomed into romance. Agassi later described Graf as “the person who completes me,” crediting her steady presence with transforming his life.
Wedding in 2001
The couple’s relationship deepened quickly, marked by shared values and a mutual understanding of the pressures of elite sport. On October 22, 2001, just days after learning they were expecting their first child, Agassi and Graf exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at their Las Vegas home. Only their mothers were present, underscoring their preference for privacy despite their global fame.
Children and Family Life
Agassi and Graf welcomed their son, Jaden Gil, in October 2001, followed by their daughter, Jaz Elle, in October 2003. Parenthood became the centerpiece of their lives after professional tennis. While both had lived under the unforgiving glare of the spotlight for decades, they prioritized raising their children away from constant public scrutiny, settling into a quieter life in Las Vegas.
Life After Tennis
Both Agassi and Graf have devoted much of their post-retirement energy to philanthropy. Agassi established the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, which funds initiatives and schools for underprivileged children in the U.S. Graf created the Children for Tomorrow Foundation, focusing on supporting children traumatized by war and violence. Together, they’ve combined their star power with a commitment to making a positive difference.
The couple occasionally appears at exhibition matches, charity events, and tennis ceremonies, but their competitive days are firmly behind them. They continue to inspire fans not only with their athletic legacies — 30 Grand Slam singles titles between them — but also with the enduring strength of their marriage.
A Lasting Love Story
From fleeting encounters on tour to a family-centered life after retirement, the journey of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf stands as one of tennis’s most beloved love stories. More than two decades after their wedding, their bond remains strong — a testament that, even for two icons, the greatest victory came not on the court, but in love.
