Remember those powerful words from Andre Agassi when he rejoined Nike in 2013? “The past was exciting, emotional, and life-changing for all of us. The future, however, is a landscape filled with unlimited opportunity and a canvas anxiously waiting to be filled in,” he said. The former World No. 1 first partnered with the brand in 1988, just two years into his pro career, before switching to Adidas in 2005. Recently, an old Nike commercial resurfaced on social, transporting Agassi down memory lane. The ad, featuring Agassi’s epic showdown with his longtime American rival Pete Sampras, remains one of his most iconic on-camera moments. Reflecting on it, the 8-time GS winner couldn’t help but smile!
Andre Agassi’s relationship with Nike has been nothing short of iconic. After 17 impactful years, he parted ways with the US brand in 2005 to join Adidas, a move largely influenced by the brand’s financial commitment to his charitable foundation. However, his return to Nike in 2013 marked a nostalgic full-circle moment, aligning with the brand’s ‘Designed to Move’ campaign, an initiative aimed at combating the global rise in physical inactivity.
Agassi’s initially flamboyant and rebellious image was readily integrated into Nike’s marketing strategy, presenting him as a modern successor to John McEnroe. His colorful attire, wild hair, and fearless attitude brought an extra edge to tennis, reshaping the sport’s image.
The dynamic shifted further in 1994 when the US-based brand signed Agassi’s stoic counterpart, Pete Sampras. The brand brilliantly marketed the duo as the yin and yang of men’s tennis: Agassi, the electrifying showman, and Sampras, the composed technician. Recently, Agassi revisited one of his most beloved Nike commercials: a street tennis showdown with Sampras that captured the essence of their era in the 90s.
Agassi shared the commercial from 1995, featuring himself and Pete Sampras, captioning it with a playful, “1995: @nike ‘Street Tennis”. One of my all-time favorites!” The 54-year-old praised the golden era of Nike Tennis, calling the Guerilla Tennis spot one of the best ads ever created. Originally aired during the 1995 US Open, the extended version of the commercial still holds legendary status among fans. Interestingly, while the Open is set in New York, the ad was filmed on the streets of San Francisco.
The commercial begins with the duo, riding together in a yellow taxi through a bustling American city. The cab suddenly halts in the middle of a busy street, where the two icons hop out, set up a tennis net, and begin an impromptu match. As the pedestrians gather and traffic builds, the intense street rally ends when a bus barrels through the net, just as Nike’s legendary “Just Do It” slogan flashes on the screen.
The ad, which earned a prestigious Silver Lion at the Cannes Lions Festival, remains a fan favorite. Twenty years later, New York City reimagined the project, showcasing celebrated athletes Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, John McEnroe, and Maria Sharapova. Yet, this wasn’t Nike’s only storytelling moment with Agassi, as fans also fondly recall a 1993 ad where Agassi and his friend Perry Rogers play a cheeky round of golf near Las Vegas’ Spanish Hills Estates.
Meanwhile, Agassi, who retired in 2006, is preparing for a remarkable return to Roland Garros. But this time, not as a player!
Andre Agassi to make an appearance at the Roland-Garros
Andre Agassi’s illustrious tennis journey found its defining moment in 1999 when the American superstar finally conquered the red clay of Roland-Garros. After two heartbreaking final defeats in 1990 and 1991, the ATP icon completed a career Grand Slam with a gritty five-set comeback against Ukraine’s Andrei Medvedev. That historic win not only filled the one missing piece in his trophy cabinet but also cemented Agassi’s place among the all-time tennis greats. Now, 26 years later, the Parisian clay is once again calling his name: only this time, in a whole new light.
In a thrilling twist, Agassi is set to return to Roland Garros, not with a racket in hand, but with a microphone. The 8-time GS champion will be part of the broadcast team for the 2025 French Open, joining TNT Sports as a studio commentator. Sharing the news with his fans on IG, Agassi wrote, “Excited to see everyone at @rolandgarros on @tntsports!” His return to the venue, where he endured both heartbreak and triumph, is sure to evoke powerful memories, both for him and his fans around the world.
Agassi’s voice will be a key feature during the SF and final rounds of this year’s tournament. He will be a part of a star-studded commentary team joins him that includes veteran US broadcaster Brian Anderson and tennis legend John McEnroe, a 7-time GS winner himself.
The leadership of this trio ensures TNT Sports’ French Open coverage will feature a compelling combination of experience, expertise, and charisma. Are you looking forward to Agassi’s commentary stint?
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