Tennis legend Andre Agassi returns to the court at the MGM Rewards Slam, showcasing his iconic style and nostalgia with a memorable match alongside Aryna Sabalenka.
Andre Agassi, a name synonymous with both tennis excellence and daring fashion choices, made a notable return to the court on March 1 during the MGM Rewards Slam in Las Vegas. The former World No. 1 partnered with current top-ranked player Aryna Sabalenka for an engaging doubles match against Naomi Osaka and Mardy Fish. The pair clinched the victory with a close score of 10-8 in a tie-break.
Agassi took a walk down memory lane during the event, donning a red bandana reminiscent of one he wore during the Australian Open in 1995. The bandana, a sentimental piece gifted to him by his daughter Jaz, sparked nostalgic reflections for the tennis icon. Agassi expressed his enthusiasm for the match and the treasured accessory in an Instagram Story, stating, “What a fun day playing in my hometown of Vegas yesterday. Can’t believe my daughter @jazagassi found me the exact red bandana I wore back in 1995, so I had to bring it back. An awesome way to celebrate the here and now.”
In a parallel twist, Sabalenka matched Agassi’s style in a red dress, which she humorously acknowledged during the match, remarking, “I have to say, we’re much better like my outfit [matches] with his head (points at Agassi’s bandana).”
Agassi’s fashion choices have historically been as groundbreaking as his tennis career, which includes eight Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal. His signature eclectic style often drew both admiration and criticism. Reflecting on those choices in a past interview with Vogue in 2024, Agassi recounted he was labeled as a “punk” in 1988 for his rebellious attire, including the now-iconic acid-washed jean shorts. He stated, “Oh my God. In 1988, I was called a punk—I was destroying the game of tennis. I mean, what they call destroying it I called broadening the tent—but whatever. I just was being me, and I was always honest about how I felt about the game,” demonstrating his commitment to authenticity in the sport.
Agassi’s bold fashion statements also garnered admiration from his wife, fellow tennis champion Steffi Graf. She remarked, “Andre was totally ahead of his time with the jorts. I loved them. I thought that was the coolest thing out there. I mean, you know, I loved fashion and seeing boundaries pushed and something so innovative, I thought that was super cool.”
Agassi’s individualistic approach to both tennis and style has made a lasting impact on the sport, transforming him into a quintessential figure of innovation in athletic fashion. Even decades after his prime, his influences continue to resonate both on and off the court.
Source: Noah Wire Services
