1999 was a landmark year in the history of Roland Garros, particularly for two tennis legends. That year, Steffi Graf, nearing her 30th birthday, claimed her final Grand Slam tournament victory, marking her 22nd title in a dramatic match against Martina Hingis. A few weeks later, Graf made it to the Wimbledon finals before declaring her retirement, her career cut short by injuries. On the men’s side, Andre Agassi, at 29, finally secured the one Grand Slam title missing from his collection. The American, who had previously lost the finals in 1991 and 1992 to Jim Courier, ended the Parisian tournament in tears of joy. Little did anyone know, this dual victory would change both their lives forever.
Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi: Meant for Each Other
Tennis royalty, Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi had known each other for years. As Agassi later admitted in his autobiography “Open,” he had long been captivated by the German tennis star. Their first “formal” meeting happened in 1992 at Wimbledon, where both were champions. In Andre’s words, he dreamed of something more but the timing was never right—until seven years later.
Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf during their first formal meeting in 1992 after Wimbledon
A Prophecy Fulfilled
After winning Roland Garros, Agassi’s coach Brad Gilbert made a bold prediction. “It’s destiny,” Brad said to Andre, possibly influenced by a few beers. “You won the 1999 men’s French Open, and who won on the ladies’ side? Yes, it’s your destiny to be together.” Gilbert even wrote “2001: Steffi Agassi” on a piece of paper, predicting they would marry in 2001 and have their first child in 2002. Remarkably, his prophecy came true.
In September 1999, following his US Open victory, Agassi, newly divorced from Brooke Shields, received enthusiastic support from Steffi Graf in the stands. She had recently broken up with car racer Michael Bartels. Soon, they became inseparable.
From Singles to Mixed Doubles
Steffi moved to Las Vegas to be with Andre. They married casually on October 22, 2001, with just their mothers as witnesses. Days later, their first child, Jaden Gil, was born, followed two years later by their daughter, Jaz Elle.
Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi in Paris at the end of 1999
A Lasting, Loving Union
Twenty-five years after their dual triumph at Roland Garros, Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi remain deeply in love and inseparable. While their children didn’t follow directly in their tennis footsteps—Jaden plays baseball and Jaz Elle excels in dancing—the couple continues to inspire. Both are deeply invested in philanthropy, with their own foundations: Children for Tomorrow for Steffi and the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education for Andre.
Tennis still plays a significant role in their lives. They regularly participate in charity matches, much to the delight of their fans, and continue to showcase their enduring talent.
Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi’s journey from tennis champions to life partners is a story of love, destiny, and enduring partnership that still captivates fans around the world. Their union, forged on the tennis courts, remains strong and vital, a testament to a love story that’s truly one for the ages.
**Steffi Graf et Andre Agassi, vainqueurs de Roland Garros en 1999, sont-ils toujours en couple ?**
This article first appeared on grazia.fr – Author: Jordane Guignon
