Andre Agassi: "I Never Chose Tennis, My Career Was a Real-Life Rebellion"

In a candid interview, tennis legend Andre Agassi has revealed that his illustrious career was not born out of a passion for the sport, but rather a profound fear of his father. Agassi, a former world No. 1 and eight-time Grand Slam champion, stated, "I never chose tennis. From day one... I hated tennis." This controversial admission, which he notes was the "most controversial thing in my book," sheds new light on the psychological pressures he faced from a young age. Agassi recounted being sent to the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, describing it as a "hell" and a chaotic environment where "teenagers raising each other, no adult supervision." He characterized his entire career as a "real-life rebellion," driven by fear. "It was fear that was driving me, fear of my father," he explained, detailing how his anger, though misdirected, fueled his performance. This revelation offers a raw glimpse into the hidden struggles behind one of tennis's most iconic figures.