The World's Only Holder of the Triple Crown

Andre Agassi is a legendary player who defined the 1990s tennis scene, unforgettable for adult tennis fans. He turned professional in 1986 at the age of 16, overwhelming opponents with his genius ball-striking, powerful groundstrokes, and two-handed backhand. His return game, in particular, was acclaimed as the "world's best."

Agassi recorded a total of 61 victories on the ATP Tour, with 60 singles titles and 1 doubles title. He also won 8 Grand Slam titles, matching Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. Furthermore, Agassi holds a unique and remarkable record in tennis history: he is the only player to have won the Career Grand Slam (winning all four major tournaments), an Olympic gold medal in tennis (singles), and the ATP Tour Finals championship. He is the sole player in tennis history to achieve these three prestigious titles.

Agassi is also a prominent philanthropist, passionately dedicated to charitable causes for children, particularly in education.

He began his charitable activities in 1994 during his playing career and established the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation in 2001 after retiring. In the same year, he founded a school in his hometown of Las Vegas. In 2007, this evolved into the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, which supports children who cannot receive adequate education due to financial reasons or other circumstances through various means.

Page02.My Roots: A Childhood Desire to Learn

My Roots: A Childhood Desire to Learn

—You began your charitable work in education while still active, before founding the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. Could you tell us what inspired you to start these activities?

Andre Agassi (hereinafter, Agassi)There wasn't one specific event. However, from a young age, I felt the importance of education. I longed to receive more education.

—It seems you received early specialized training in tennis.

AgassiI pursued tennis because of my father's wishes, not my own. Fortunately, I succeeded in this path, which was fortunate. But if I hadn't succeeded, I would have had nothing. Because I didn't receive a sufficient education, I wouldn't have been able to get a job I liked, and I don't think I would have had such a fulfilling life as I do now. I was lucky. But there are many children around the world who are not so fortunate, who cannot receive an education and are not blessed with luck. I wanted to do something to brighten their future.

—So, your own experience and your thirst for education were the catalysts?

AgassiThe only thing that can realize a fruitful future for children and enhance their potential is education. From my own experience, I am convinced of this. Providing financial aid temporarily is fine, but once the money is spent, it's over. However, the education one receives stays with them for a lifetime and becomes the power to forge their own path. Education is the very hope for the future (With education. There's Hope.).

With My Wife, We Can Achieve Anything

—Charitable activities must have been challenging. How did you overcome those difficulties?

AgassiThe biggest challenge is raising funds for our activities. But I've been fortunate in my charitable endeavors as well. Longines, for whom I serve as a brand ambassador, along with various companies and friends, provide immense support. I am truly grateful.

—What does your wife, Steffi Graf, mean to you?

AgassiMy wife is an irreplaceable presence to me, just as she was during my playing days. Charitable work isn't something I do alone; it's something my wife and I do together. We've been able to continue this thanks to her. We always conduct tennis clinics together. I am eternally grateful to my wife.

Longines: Elegantly Transforming Time

—What does Longines, for whom you are a brand ambassador, represent to you?

AgassiLongines is an invaluable partner, both to me personally and to the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. I've always loved watches, but my appreciation grew even more after becoming a Longines ambassador. I've truly come to realize how wearing a particular watch can even change the way one perceives time. Since wearing a Longines timepiece, I've found myself experiencing time with a greater sense of elegance.

—Could you tell us about your aspirations for the future?

AgassiSeeing children who have gained hope for the future through education through our activities. For my wife and me, there is no greater joy than this. We want to provide educational opportunities to as many children as possible, giving them the chance to gain hope and the power to shape their future.