Jump to main content
You are here:

Quote machine: Andre Agassi

Eight-time grand slam champ Andre Agassi

Eight-time grand slam champ Andre Agassi

So far we’ve celebrated words of wisdom from the likes of shrinking violets such as Anna Kournikova, Andy Roddick, Jelena Jankovic and John McEnroe.

Our all-time favourite has to be Kournikova’s revelation that “God gives all to those who get up early.” Er, right, Anna. Whatever you say.

Next in line for some Tennishead quote machine treatment is Andre Kirk Agassi, undisputed king of the early return of serve – and the press conference.

Having lifted all four grand slam singles trophies during his career, some say he was the greatest ever to pick up a racket, that winning in Melbourne, Paris, Wimbledon and New York made him the ultimate tennis player.

Others claim he’ll be remembered for his charisma, his personality and his sense of perspective. He appreciated his gift and was in touch with his fans, they insist.

Who can forget his emotional ‘the scoreboard said I lost today’ farewell speech to the New York crowd moments after his career had come to an end in September 2006.

It will go down in post-match, on-court interview history!

Most of the time what he said made perfect sense to us fans – his words left us in awe of the depth of his personality and of his understanding of the sport.

But sometimes what he said left us scratching our heads and wondering what on earth he was banging on about…

Andre Agassi’s words of wisdom

“He can keep his spin, but I’d rather take away his speed or make him right-handed. Any one of those things would change the dynamics dramatically. I’d first go speed, then I’d go right-handed, then I’d go spin. On clay it’s different. Spin would probably be right up there with the speed.”

“I feel old when I see mousse in my opponent’s hair.”

“It’s shocking how little there is to do with tennis when you’re just thinking about nothing except winning every point.”

“I knew it was on the bubble of getting really tough.”

“James is a guy that runs on high octane… he’s a fighter jet. He burns the fuel fast and furious. He’s gotten much better with that over the years, but he plays so big and he’s so fast that if an edge does come off, it’s a big relief. He flies around the court.”

“Even a blind dog can find a bone now and then.”

“Everybody here is taking the day out of their lives to come watch me, and I thank you for that.”

“You’ve got to believe you can win. But I believe respect for the fact that you can lose is what you always have to keep in your mind so that nothing surprises you.”

“The skirts look like they’re a little difficult to run in. I think they need to be shorter.”

“You just sort of expect to leave the dance with the ones you came with. When they decide that it’s time for them, it’s sad.”

Newswire
real-time Tennis news direct from the PA Sport wire

Up to the minute international news

Tennis Betting
tennis betting tips

Our guide to winning big this season

Tennis Galleries
exclusive photos from the ATP and Masters series tours

The good, the bad and the ugly!

Mailing List

Join our mailing list to get regular updates and exclusive content.

sign up now

Tennis Travel
tennis holidays

The best resorts in the world, reviewed and rated

Talking Point
tennis debate

Grabbing current issues by the scruff of the neck

On Court

Play better tennis with the help of our expert advice on technique, tactics, fitness and psychology

On Tour

Up-to-the-minute news, results, reports and opinion from the ATP and WTA tours

Locker Room
Tennisheads

Where the fans tell it like it is – world tennis forums, polls and blogs

Tennis Gear

The latest rackets, shoes, clothes and accessories tried and tested for you

Tennis Holidays

The best tennis resorts in the world – reviewed and rated by Tennishead

Tennis Galleries

If it’s unique, high-quality photos of the world’s tennis superstars you’re after then step this way

Player Blogs

Ever wondered what it’s like being a professional tennis player? Wonder no more…

Tennis Directory

Advertise your company’s services in the Tennishead directory