Boris Becker: You were one of the best players e are still a role model for millions

Tennis legend Boris Becker says he considers Andre Agassi a role model for millions now, although he could not stand the American tennis star when he first came on the professional circuit.

In a post on Agassi in the German media, Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion and six-time Grand Slam champion says, "When you appeared in professional tennis at the time, I couldn't take your torn jeans, long colored hair and earrings seriously. You had cultivated your image and acted as if it was more important to you. I was suspicious."

Becker and Agassi played 14 times on the tour - with Agassi winning 10 of them.  Recalling their duel at Wimbledon in 1995, Becker says, "You led up against me, that was almost embarrassing for me. So I gave Brooke Shields, your former wife, who was sitting in the audience, a kiss on the air. It was a spontaneous action, but it upset you so much that I could still turn the game around."

Agassi, who ended his career with eight Grand Slam titles at the 2006 US Open, is now married to Becker's compatriot Steffi Graf and the couple live in Las Vegas with their two children. "You were one of the best players of all time and you are still a role model for millions." Becker also wished that the American would be seen on the circuit more often since he could be a positive influence on the young players. "I think our young talents can learn a lot from you."

Agassi turns 50 years old on later this week on April 29.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2W6VDpM