Challenges in the Life of Andre Agassi in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Andre Agassi's life and career.

Andre Agassi, a former American professional tennis player, achieved the world No. 1 ranking for 101 weeks, finishing as the year-end No. 1 in 1999. He secured 60 ATP Tour-level singles titles, highlighted by eight major championships, thus completing a Career Grand Slam. Additionally, Agassi earned an Olympic gold medal, won the 1990 ATP Tour World Championships, claimed 17 Masters titles, and contributed to three victorious United States Davis Cup teams (1990, 1992, 1995). He stands as one of only eight men to achieve a Career Grand Slam in singles and among three to complete a Career Golden Slam in singles.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1990: US Open Final Loss to Sampras

In 1990, Andre Agassi lost the US Open final to Pete Sampras in straight sets, marking their first meeting in a Grand Slam final.

1993: Wimbledon Quarterfinal Loss to Sampras

In 1993, Andre Agassi lost to Pete Sampras in the Wimbledon quarterfinals in five sets, despite leveling the match after being down two sets.

1993: Doubles Title and Injury

In 1993, Andre Agassi won the only doubles title of his career at the Cincinnati Open with Petr Korda. He missed much of the early part of the year due to injuries, lost in the first round at the US Open, and required wrist surgery late in the year.

November 10, 1997: Ranking Sinks to No. 141

On November 10, 1997, Andre Agassi's ranking sank to No. 141, during a low point in his career marked by injury, drug use, and a failing marriage.

1997: Methamphetamine Use

In 1997, Agassi used and tested positive for methamphetamine. He later justified himself and asked for understanding, saying that 'It was a period in my life where I needed help.'

1997: Ranking Decline

In 1997, Andre Agassi's ranking declined to as low as No. 141.

1998: Return to Top 10 and ATP Most Improved Player of the Year

In 1998, Andre Agassi made a remarkable comeback, winning five titles and jumping from No. 110 to No. 6 in the rankings. Despite an early loss at Wimbledon, he reached ten finals and was named ATP Most Improved Player of the Year for the second time.

1999: Wimbledon Final Loss and US Open Win

In 1999, Agassi and Sampras met in the Wimbledon final, where Sampras won in straight sets. Sampras forfeited the No. 1 ranking to Agassi when injury forced him to withdraw from that year's US Open, which Agassi went on to win. They faced each other twice in the season-ending ATP Tour World Championships, with Sampras losing the round-robin match, but winning the final.

1999: Tennis Masters Cup Runner-Up

In 1999, Andre Agassi lost in the Tennis Masters Cup final.

2000: Tennis Masters Cup Runner-Up

In 2000, Andre Agassi lost in the Tennis Masters Cup final.

2000: Australian Open Title and Wimbledon Semi-Finals

In 2000, Andre Agassi won his second Australian Open title, defeating Sampras and Kafelnikov. He reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon, losing to Rafter in a five-set match. He also reached the final of the Tennis Masters Cup in Lisbon, losing to Gustavo Kuerten.

2001: Australian Open Title Defense and US Open Quarterfinals Loss

In 2001, Andre Agassi successfully defended his Australian Open title. He lost to Rafter in the Wimbledon semi-finals and to Sampras in the US Open quarterfinals. He finished the year ranked No. 3, the only male player to finish a year in the top 3 in three different decades.

2002: Key Biscayne Title Defense and US Open Final Loss

In 2002, Andre Agassi missed the Australian Open due to injury, but defended his Key Biscayne title and reached the US Open final. He lost to Sampras in the final, which was the last match of Sampras's career. Agassi finished the year as the oldest year-end No. 2.

September 7, 2003: Surrendering No. 1 Ranking at US Open

On September 7, 2003, at the US Open semi-finals, Agassi lost to Juan Carlos Ferrero, surrendering his No. 1 ranking to him.

2005: Quarterfinal Loss at Australian Open and Rogers Cup Final

In 2005, Andre Agassi lost in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and reached the final of the Rogers Cup, losing to Rafael Nadal. He won his fourth title in Los Angeles, but withdrew from several events due to injury.

2005: US Open Final and Year-End Top-10 Ranking

In 2005, Andre Agassi made an improbable run to the US Open final, winning three consecutive five-set matches before losing to Federer in the final. He finished the year ranked No. 7, tying Connors for the most times ranked in the top 10 at year's end.

2006: Final US Open and Retirement

In 2006, Andre Agassi had a dramatic run in his final US Open, winning against Andrei Pavel and Marcos Baghdatis before falling to Benjamin Becker. He received a standing ovation and delivered a retirement speech after his last match.

2006: Withdrawals and Retirement Announcement

In 2006, Andre Agassi had a poor start to the year due to injuries, withdrawing from the Australian Open and the entire clay-court season. He returned for Wimbledon, where he lost to Nadal and announced his plans to retire following the US Open.

December 2008: Lawsuit against Steffi Graf

In December 2008, Agassi's childhood friend and former business manager, Perry Rogers, sued Steffi Graf for $50,000 in management fees.

2009: Withdrawal from Fairmont Tamarack project

In 2009, Agassi and Graf, along with Bayview Financial LP, withdrew from the Fairmont Tamarack condominium hotel project in Donnelly, Idaho, due to difficult market conditions and delays.