The son of tennis stars Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf is determined to achieve sporting greatness, but in the world of baseball.
Andre Agassi, 54, and Steffi Graf, 55, are renowned figures in tennis history.
Andre Agassi, an American, has secured eight Grand Slam men’s singles titles and is among a select group of 13 players to have achieved a career Grand Slam, winning all four major tournaments.
Steffi Graf’s accomplishments include 22 Grand Slam women’s singles titles and a record 377 weeks ranked as world No. 1. She is uniquely the only player in tennis history, regardless of gender, to win each major singles tournament at least four times.
Considering their tennis legacy, it might be expected that their oldest son, Jaden, would follow a career in tennis.
However, the 23-year-old is pursuing a career in baseball instead.
In an interview with WKBN News, Agassi stated, “Agassi is definitely known as a tennis name.”
“The goal is to make it known in baseball as well.”
Agassi played tennis in his youth but says his true passion lies in baseball.
Born in Nevada, USA, he is set to represent his mother’s native country, Germany, internationally.
This decision comes as he joins Team Germany for the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers leading up to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which will be held in Japan, the USA, and Puerto Rico from March 5-17.
The qualifiers began on February 21 and will continue until March 6.
Speaking to MLB.com, he expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m really excited to play for Germany.”
“Competing internationally has been my dream since childhood.”
“I want to make my mom and Germany proud and represent them well.”
Agassi has developed into a promising pitcher.
In the 2024 MLB Draft League, he achieved a 2.96 earned run average and was recognized as Player of the Week on July 8. While his college statistics were not outstanding, he has shown potential.
Agassi has mentioned that he wasn’t very skilled at tennis because he struggled to keep the ball in bounds.
His love for baseball emerged when he realized his enjoyment in hitting a tennis ball as far as possible.
He added, “I started playing baseball at six years old in T-ball.”
“I loved it from the start. I did try tennis, but it was always challenging to keep the ball within the lines.”
“I just wanted to hit it with all my strength. Baseball has been my passion since day one.”
“I entered college as a decent pitcher but lacked refinement. Due to time constraints, I was starting behind.”
“However, at the University of Southern California, I was fortunate to have excellent coaches who taught me the techniques of pitching.”
Agassi’s parents married in 2001, and he has a younger sister, Jaz, born in 2003.
Germany, ranked 17th globally at the time of the tournament draw, will begin their matches on March 2 in Arizona against China, followed by games against Brazil and Colombia.
The USA qualified for the tournament in the 2023 Pool tournament and previously won the World Championship in 2017, after being defeated by Japan in the 2023 Championship final.
