“Steffi Graf can say more without saying anything”: When Andre Agassi refused to promise doubles partnership out of fear of his wife’s ‘sideways look’

Andre Agassi once hesitated to confirm whether he and his wife, fellow tennis legend Steffi Graf, would finally team up for their highly anticipated mixed doubles partnership. The American candidly disclosed what was holding him back from making any guarantees.

During his campaign at the 2003 Australian Open, Agassi declared that if he won the title, he and Graf would compete in mixed doubles at the French Open later that year. Although the American triumphed at the Melbourne Slam, the partnership never materialized since the 22-time Grand Slam champion became pregnant with their daughter Jaz.

Andre Agassi revisited the deal after reaching the semifinals of the 2004 Australian Open, playfully highlighting that Steffi Graf still “owed” them a mixed doubles appearance. He also suggested that the following year’s edition of the Melbourne Slam would be a better stage for their partnership than Roland Garros.

“I sort of jumped the gun last year. But I guess she still owes us one. I won the bet here last year, so it didn’t make much sense to do it in Paris. Maybe we’ll do it back here,” Andre Agassi said in his on-court interview.

However, during his post-match press conference, Agassi made it clear that he wouldn’t make any firm promises without consulting his wife. The American explained that he didn’t want to become a victim of one of Graf’s chilling sideways looks, humorously disclosing that the German had the ability to convey her emotions with just a look.

“Listen, you can count on something: I’m not going to say anything that’s going to get any sideways looks when I walk through the front door (laughter),” Agassi said. “I promise you, Steffi can say more without saying anything (laughter). It’s just a great ability to have.”