We Honor Andre Agassi as a True Champion of Tennis and His Community 

Andre Agassi, a former world No. 1 and one of the most revered athletes in the world, was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 9th, 2011, the highest honor available in the sport of tennis. In January 2011, Andre’s induction was announced at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, the public charter school he founded in 2001 in Las Vegas’ most at risk community. The students at Agassi Prep, who range from kindergarten to grade 12, joined in a pep rally-style event to celebrate his induction.

"I'm truly honored to be recognized alongside the greatest players of tennis," said Agassi. "My tennis career afforded me the opportunity to make a difference in other people's lives and it was truly special to share this exciting moment with the students of Agassi Prep."

Read Andre’s personal letters to key people who’ve helped him throughout his career.

Read and watch Andre’s acceptance speech >>

Read the complete press release >>

Quotes honoring Agassi's accomplishment:

"On the court, Andre had one of the greatest returns in the sport and he backed up his tennis skills with a strong connection with the fans, entertaining them in a way few ever have. Off the court, he has a sense of responsibility that transcends tennis. Andre has a deep commitment to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others, and the beauty of it all is that he is just getting started. So much of his wonderful legacy is left to be written."

-- Billie Jean King, International Tennis Hall of Fame member and close friend of Agassi

"Throughout his career, Andre had a tremendous impact on the sport of tennis -- on and off the court -- and he will be a great addition to the Tennis Hall of Fame."

-- Pete Sampras, International Tennis Hall of Fame member and Agassi' biggest rival during his 20-year career

"Andre had the complete career. He rose above every hurdle to taste victory at every major championship. He's in elite company as very few can make claim to that honor. He's one of a kind, that's for sure."

-- Darren Cahill, one-time Agassi coach

"His tennis record is off the charts. His longevity is amazing. Twenty years on Tour. His stellar record. People get into the Hall of Fame with two Grand Slams. He has eight. If it was baseball, he'd be a unanimous choice for the Hall."

-- Brad Gilbert, who coached Agassi during his comeback and remains a close friend

"I always felt Andre was special. He brought excitement to the game. There were old ladies at Wimbledon wearing those denim shorts. That's the kind of impact he had on people. They loved him and they still do."

-- Nick Bollettieri, Agassi's coach during his teen years and early in his professional career

"Andre Agassi is an inspiration to all of Nevada's student-athletes, and I'm pleased that his hard work and excellence is being recognized with the highest honor an athlete can receive."

-- U.S. Sen. Harry Reid

"As great a tennis player as Andre was and as much a fan of his that I was, I'm even more impressed by the great person that he is because of the compassion that he has for children in our state and the unbelievable work that he has done to make their lives better."

-- U.S. Sen. John Ensign

"I am absolutely delighted that one of the most remarkable tennis players and remarkable citizens from Nevada has been selected for the Hall of Fame. His extraordinary impact on tennis is exceeded by his remarkable achievements in the community. It dwarfs what he has accomplished in tennis. He's literally changed the lives of thousands of young people and thousands more who will never know him."

-- U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, in whose district Agassi resides

"There's nobody more deserving. If athletes are supposed to be role models, there is no one better than Andre -- a great tennis player, a great community partner and a great guy."

-- Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman