Andre Agassi to be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame
Tennis legend Andre Agassi will be credited with the most prestigious honour in the sport after he will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The announcement of Aggasi’s induction was made yesterday at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory
Academy.
Agassi had one of the most celebrated careers in the history of men’s tennis and he never settled for second best. The former world number one player married one of the greatest players in Women’s’ Tennis, Steffi Graf.
On being selected for the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Agassi said, “I'm truly honoured to be recognised alongside the greatest players of tennis. My tennis career afforded me the opportunity to make a difference in other people's lives, and it was
truly special to share this exciting moment with the students of Agassi Prep.”
The legendary tennis player became the first player to be inducted into the 2011 Hall of Fame and other names will be announced later. Agassi’s 20-year career was full of achievements and he played some of the most memorable matches in tennis to entertain
his fans. His achievements included Grand Slam wins, an Olympic gold medal and Davis Cup victories for his country.
Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum, Christopher E. Clouser praised Aggasi by saying, “Andre is a true champion of the game, and we are delighted to honour him for his contributions and achievements with induction into the International
Tennis Hall of Fame.”
The ceremony will be held on 9 July 2011 during the ATP World Tour Event, Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championship.
Agassi was considered as one of the best athletes in the sport and held the number one ranking for 101 weeks. His overall career singles record was 870-274 and he won 60 titles during his career. The legendary player won the Australian Open four times in
his career, US Open twice and he was victorious once each at Wimbledon and the French Open. Apart from the Grand Slam wins, Aggasi won 17 ATP Masters 1000 events.
He won the Gold Medal for his country in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He was also a part of the 1990 and 1992 Davis Cup winning team for the United States. His overall record in Davis Cup for the United States was 30-6. After Agassi started playing professional
tennis in 1986, and broke into the top 100 in the very first year of his professional career. He ended the 1986 season ranked 91st in the world after making his debut at the age of 16.
The former world number one never looked back from there, and ended his second year in tennis ranked 25th. He also won his first ATP Tour-Title that year. Continuing his form, Aggasi finished his third year in tennis at a career high 3rd
in the world, and became the fastest player to reach $2 million career prize money in just 43 career tournaments.
Another unique record that Agassi holds is that he became the oldest player in the history of tennis to hold the world number one rank in singles. He achieved this feat in 2003 at the age of 33. Aggasi held onto this record for 12 weeks.
His last year in tennis was the 2006 season during which he retired. He reached the third round of the U.S. Open before he was knocked out. He gave a post-match speech which was very inspiring and the crowd gave an 8-minute standing ovation to Aggasi after
he completed his speech.
After his retirement, Agassi got involved in charitable work with the Athletes for Hope organisation. Agassi will always remain in the hearts and minds of his fans for his contribution to tennis and his work for charity.
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