From the thunderous roar of a Grand Slam final to the quiet hum of a classroom, Andre Agassi’s life has undergone a profound transformation. The former tennis superstar, known for his explosive groundstrokes and rebellious persona, has traded Centre Court for a different kind of center stage: that of education and philanthropy. Today, Agassi’s world revolves around two new full-time jobs and the enduring family he built with fellow legend Steffi Graf, a union that began with an intensely private wedding attended by just four people.
The Educator and The Philanthropist
Following his emotional retirement from professional tennis in 2006, Agassi could have easily settled into a life of leisure and occasional commentary. Instead, he doubled down on his commitment to societal change. His two primary roles are deeply intertwined with his life’s mission. Firstly, he serves as the Chairman of the Board for The Agassi Foundation for Education, which he founded in 1994. Secondly, he has taken on a more formal role in the business world as the Chief Impact Officer for the fitness equipment company, Tonal.
His work with the foundation is the culmination of a lifelong passion. Growing up, Agassi often described feeling that education was forced upon him, yet he came to see it as the ultimate liberator. The Agassi Foundation’s crowning achievement is the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a K-12 charter school in a historically underserved neighborhood of Las Vegas. The school’s mission is to provide a high-quality, college-preparatory education to all its students. Agassi is not a figurehead; he is actively involved in governance, fundraising, and strategic direction.
In a statement reflecting on his work, Agassi has often emphasized its personal importance, saying, "Tennis was a stepping stone for me. This school, this foundation, this is my life's work. Giving children the tools to write their own future is the most powerful thing we can do."
His role at Tonal, a high-tech home gym system, merges his athletic expertise with his philanthropic drive. As Chief Impact Officer, he focuses on the company’s charitable initiatives and its broader mission to make fitness accessible. This position allows him to leverage his celebrity for corporate social responsibility, creating partnerships and programs that extend the company's reach into communities.
A Wedding for Two (Plus Two Witnesses)
The private nature of Agassi and Graf’s relationship was never more evident than on October 22, 2001. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks and seeking absolute privacy, the two tennis icons elected to have a shockingly small ceremony. They were married in a secret, low-key service at his Las Vegas home, with only four people in attendance: the couple, the officiant, and a single witness for each of them.
There was no media circus, no guest list of celebrities, and no lavish reception. It was a stark contrast to their very public careers and a definitive statement about the life they wanted to build together, away from the spotlight. Agassi later reflected on the day, noting, "It was just us, committing to each other. It was perfect because it was real."
This desire for a grounded, family-centric life has been the cornerstone of their marriage. They have successfully shielded their children—son Jaden Gil and daughter Jaz Elle—from the public eye, raising them in Las Vegas with a focus on normalcy, far from the professional tennis circuit that made their parents household names.
Building a Life in Las Vegas
The Agassi-Graf household is a testament to their shared values. While both are retired from competition, they maintain a deep connection to fitness and healthy living. Their daily routine is a blend of school runs, business meetings, and workouts, often on the Tonal system that Andre helps represent. Steffi Graf, while less publicly involved in business than her husband, manages her own charitable foundation, "Children for Tomorrow," and occasionally participates in charity tennis events.
Their life together is built on a foundation of mutual understanding forged in the unique pressure cooker of elite sports. They are each other's greatest supporters, yet they maintain distinct professional identities. Key aspects of their life now include:
- Philanthropy: A shared, though separately managed, commitment to charitable causes, particularly those benefiting children.
- Family: A fiercely protected private life centered on their two children.
- Business: Andre's high-profile role with Tonal and his foundation, alongside Steffi's more private ventures.
- Fitness: A continued dedication to health and wellness as a core family value.
Despite their immense wealth and fame, those who know them describe a remarkably down-to-earth couple. They are often seen at local restaurants or supporting community events in Las Vegas, preferring the comfort of their home city to the glittering social scenes of other global hubs.
From Grand Slams to Greater Good
Andre Agassi’s journey is one of the most remarkable in modern sports. He evolved from a reluctant teenage phenom with a famous "Image is Everything" slogan to a man who has found his true image in service and family. The eight-time Grand Slam champion has redefined what it means to be a winner. His trophies are no longer just silver cups but the graduating classes of his academy and the well-being of his family.
He has spoken candidly about his difficult relationship with tennis, a sport forced upon him by a demanding father. In his raw and celebrated autobiography, "Open," he revealed his hatred for the game during his playing days. This makes his post-retirement peace all the more poignant. The man who felt trapped by the sport has used the platform it gave him to build a life of purpose and autonomy.
In a recent interview, he summarized his philosophy, stating, "Success for me now is impact. It's about how many lives you can change, how many minds you can open, and what you leave behind for the next generation. That's the legacy that matters."
The four people in a Las Vegas backyard in 2001 have grown into a family of four, and the scope of Agassi’s influence has expanded exponentially. With Steffi Graf as his partner, he has channeled the same intensity he once reserved for Wimbledon and the US Open into building schools and shaping a business with a conscience. Andre Agassi’s second act proves that the most meaningful victories often happen long after the final point has been played.