Former world number one tennis player, Andre Agassi turns 46 today. The magnetic American won eight singles grand slam titles during the course of his career and an Olympic gold medal in 1996.
Aggasi, who turned pro in 1986 clinched his first grand slam after winning the Wimbledon in 1992 and was also part of three Davis Cup winning teams.
Agassi ended his career in 2006 but he continued to entertain tennis fans even after his retirement.
Here’s a look at the five instances where Agassi was at his entertaining best.
1. Agassi Calls Sampras a Bad Tipper
Things got a little heated when Pete Sampras decided to impersonate Andre Agassi during an exhibition match. The 14-time grand slam champion made a mockery of Agassi’s walk.
Agassi struck back with a rather touchy comeback. While imitating Sampras, he emptied his pockets, signalling that the 14-time grand slam champion is a bad tipper.
2. Federer’s Wish is Agassi’s Command
In an exhibition match in Haiti, Andre Agassi thought of being nice and asked Roger Federer, where and how fast he should serve. Taking the chance, Federer asked Agassi to serve at 113 mph to his forehand side. And guess what? Agassi recorded 114 mph!
3. Agassi Sledges Federer
While Federer was getting ready to serve in an exhibition match, Agassi switched to his sledging mode and told the Swiss maestro, “You are not very intimidating”.
Then Federer served and the ball brushed the net. Agassi continued on his sledging spree, “That was the best you’ve got? Wasn’t it.”
The Swiss maestro however, managed to clinch the point.
4. Agassi’s Fake Shot
Another time, Agassi decided to take on his doubles partner, Harrison. He would get in position to play a shot and then miss it on purpose for Harrison to return the ball.
Agassi also made Harrison do all the running on some points.
5. Agassi-Federer Hairstyle Battle
After granting Federer’s wish of serving the ball on his forehand side yet again, Agassi took on the Swiss maestro’s hairstyle. He suggested Federer get a haircut to avoid wearing a headband.
Then Agassi begun acting out what he would do if he had Federer’s head of hair. The Swiss champ was sporting enough to join Agassi in his act.
(This story was first published on 29 April 2016 and has been reposted from The Quint's archives to mark Andre Agassi’s 49th birthday.)
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