Andre Agassi once noticeably excluded his wife, fellow tennis legend Steffi Graf, from his victory speech after triumphing at the 2001 Australian Open. The American explained that he made the decision deliberately due to the intrusive media.
That year, Agassi entered the Melbourne Slam as the sixth seed and defending champion. He delivered an impressive campaign at the Major, beating the likes of Andrew Ilie, Todd Martin, and Patrick Rafter to set up a blockbuster title clash with Arnaud Clement.
Steffi Graf, who had retired from professional tennis in 1999, cheered her husband on during the final, as the American claimed a dominant 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Clement to clinch his seventh Grand Slam title.
During the trophy presentation, Agassi candidly admitted that he hadn’t prepared a winner’s speech before expressing his heartfelt gratitude to his coach Brad Gilbert and fitness trainer Gil Reyes for their contribution to his success while conspicuously making no mention of his wife.
In his post-match press conference, Andre Agassi was asked whether he excluded Steffi Graf from his winner’s speech out of shyness. However, the American clarified that he intentionally avoided talking about his wife because he knew certain reporters would only focus on his words about the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
“Because I know people like you will only write that,” Agassi said.