2011 Hall of Fame Induction Speech - Andre Agassi

On July 9, 2011 the one and only Andre Agassi was honored with the highest honor in tennis - Induction to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Agassi selected Simone Ruffin, a graduate of Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy to give his presentation speech.

[@scottcomar]

Take 30 minutes out of your life and watch this. This is a man that has been humbled into greatness that impacts everyone in his path.

[@sonnymacklin5269]

Long time a decade ago you said this but it still does apply and will. Well said!

[@plzhd2]

Wow! I'm just now watching this and very much agree with you with tears in my eyes! Loved this guy while he played then I got "disconnected" from watching and playing tennis! Great man!

[@SamuelDaram]

This is the greatest speech I ever heard by a sports star. Genuinely inspring.

[@rajbelgaumkar909]

Andre never stopped evolving and that is an inspiration. Great human being!

[@margannaful]

wow. here I am, 52 years old, crying like a baby. what an awesome inspiration you are, Andre!

[@Jreed8181clt]

MUFC it does not matter what sport they play it really matters how they act and how they are

[@johndecriscio9586]

I'm 75 and feeling the same way.

[@RichardsWorld]

For a young lady she sure gave a great speech in front of all of those people.

[@dhui777]

Agassi kept saying that he is not so educated, but his speeches are so good, much better than many so called educated people.

[@14rmjr]

I was there for that speech & I'll never get tired of hearing it. What a GREAT speech it was :)

[@meenadadlani5719]

Lucky you!!!

[@louiepecchia7561]

There’s no words to describe Andre’ Agassi , just a great man

[@merceditajarabejo1327]

I really cried at the speech of the girl who introduce Agassi.He's a living saint who knows to share his blessings to others.

[@January.]

*introduced

[@ericagovea2262]

What a humble beautiful speech from an amazing man I remember when I first heard he had married Steffi Graf my favorite tennis player and thinking WOW what an amazing couple they are going to be . So nice to hear him talk about the great Arthur Ash and Billie Jean King and what they gave not just to tennis but to the world . His speech was inspiring full of hope and how to give back and do so with humility I was on the verge of tears . So I thank you Andre Agassi for a moving speech that gave me much to think about may God bless you and Steffi with many happy years and all the success you so richly deserve .

[@Jreed8181clt]

I agree

[@VVS167]

🌹🌹🌹😊💕💕💕

[@aaziz15954]

Andre, you always speak from your heart and make us tear because of the heart felt words. Keep up the good work. You are the best!

[@shengwu6044]

For real. I never realized what a great speaker he is. He is a very deep, genuine, and sincere man.

[@johntatum1951]

May God continue to bless Andre and Stefani and their school...this young lady is a great speaker.

[@kitersrefuge7353]

What a man.We can all aspire to Andre Agassi.

[@richardalmaraz2533]

I always admired Agassi, he never gave up in the court, I loved the way he played with all his heart, ty Andre

[@January.]

*on the court

[@glenysjury8363]

No dream No journey Is impossible. What an inspiring speech. Heartfelt and very moving. Congratulations Angre Aggassi

[@ekafithriagustira4626]

he is a role model every young people should learn and follow her success..i am big fan of him & steffi . they make a great couple together as well a good team..happy to see them now as family

[@HankFinkle11]

What a moving speech.

[@elissahofelt2575]

Andre Agassi is my favorite tennis player of all time, not just because he is one of the greatest, but because he's just a really good person.

[@krishnagondhea7428]

Yes the most kindest tennis player

[@h.i.5280]

I watched his career with mixed feelings. I watched her with respect But I watch their relationship and life as an example. Joy and respect! Thank you!

[@Vijayabeulahjesus]

Both of them stood as role models both in field and family life.

[@Vijayabeulahjesus]

Wonderful speech. Teaching to be grateful to parents as well as the whole community. Love you Agassi and Stephy Graf.

[@crosbyyacht]

I don't know of another athlete who can give a speech like Andre :)

[@dgstamper1]

Now, all we need is a movie to show us the paths of Andreas' journey! I loved watching every second of all your matches. And i love even more the man you've become! Thank you Andre, thank you, Steffi, for the memories you've left us with. ❤

[@krishnagondhea7428]

Agassi is a lovely man. Humble and just kind

[@stevejenkins9545]

I have been a Andre fan for 30 years. But I have not seen this video before I’m in love again the humbleness, the leader ship, by example is astounding. I love his tender heart. I love his passion I love his belief in the future. I love his respect for the past, and what he hopes to be the future you will always be a legend in my heart. Thank you, Andre.

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

My favorite player ever. I grew up with him. I followed him. I even looked like a total dork wearing his lime green 1990 belly shirt when i played. I miss those days. It was the greatest era in American tennis, and the best years of my life. Hope youre well Andre, and thank you for all the great memories.

[@SamuelDaram]

And thank you 'tennisfamer' for uploading this video.

[@stephymanjooran]

I cried by listening this man.u stirred our souls by ur life Andre .respect from the bottom of my heart.love you.

[@lia7]

yeah, she was super nervous and under pressure, she will probably regret this but she seems to be very young, it was a big job to do this and prepare and deliver this - we all learn from these things :-) Agassi is amazing.

[@LoyolaDerose]

Great storytelling......of Andre Agassi.... leading to Great teachings ... in the lives of many children and all ... these all possible through tennis which he endeared most. May God go with you and your family always!

[@salemu9559]

Andre Agassi...I grew up reading your story on magazine in Ethiopia....I watched your game....fastward ..after many years.. I read ur book...I was amazed and touched all the tortured u went through..Love and Respect from Ethiopia.

[@kandavallisundersingh1877]

As great as your game! You are a born champion. Your describing Life in Tennis terms of serve, receive, game, love, fault, and game - superb expression! You loved tennis, and lived tennis and still do it all along!

[@Polarcupcheck]

Agassi was like a rock star that played tennis. All the highs, all the lows and insecurities.

[@velcingilles3756]

One of my idols as a kid, and a true inspiration as an adult. Mr Agassi, you truly are a living legend!

[@riplenbias]

Andre Agassi is the Michael Jordan of tennis. He is one of the top 5 best athletes to EVER live on this planet. Hands down. No debate!!!!

[@beanstalker3292]

Not to mention his wife....

[@jfcarpio]

I agree! Both legends that made their respectives sports enjoyable for me!

[@c4mper]

Andre is Andre, none of other to compare. Sorry start thinking world not America only. G ( from place not know to 99% of the world).

[@johniii8147]

Not really. Not even close

[@Phonedamentals]

I feel like his mother, I watched him grow up and become a MAN. He is wonderful not just at tennis but at life and teaches us all lessons. I got to watch his errors, forced and unforced, his LOVs and his Service BREAKS...I loved him every minute. I was there at the ceremony in Newport and it was as beautiful as it looks. He makes me so proud he can be proud of himself. His unknown...MOM.

[@wearetemporary]

This is truly one of the greatest speeches ever given by a professional athlete.

[@russnyberg6177]

I'm crying now watching this. Andre has always inspired me and does even more today!

[@kshanthalareddy1000]

Andrew nd Steffi made so much of difference to so many lives is truly so inspirational. May God bless u nd ur Family with all the Joy nd success in ur future.

[@themtoniraniremaxbroker2447]

Truly Inspiring....Thank you Sir!! Many Thanks. Keep Well and Keep Doing What You are Doing!! God Speed...

[@rickjones257]

For a Man who hates Tennis, he did pretty well in this sport.

[@Dean814]

@crosbyyacht He is an amazing speaker. His introductory speech during his wife, Steffi Graf's induction to the Hall of Fame, and the speech he gave during his retirement ceremony were amazing. He also gives great interviews.

[@RoamHockey]

what a man to say that it was easier the first time at this podium saying that Steffi was so much more worthy of her induction..class guy and husband always and did the most with his fame helping others in this life who were not as fortunate..such a deserving induction 😊

[@branboard]

Without Agassi, my love for tennis would be absolutely nothing. Growing up with him as my childhood sports hero has proven that it is very possible to be whatever you strive to be. As a kid, I wanted to dress and have all the same gear as Agassi. It's true IMAGE IS EVERYTHING. Now I'm 22 years old and I look back at his great career and am thankful that such a great player and role model stepped onto these courts. I can't wait to tell my kids about Agassi, just like my dad told me about Borg

[@harrywissink842]

I just read his book .. he has become my hero too Great guy with a great partner All admiration 🙏

[@raqueltuscano8975]

great speech from one of the best tennis players of all time

[@VVS167]

The sort of thing that makes you wanna thank one’s parents for choosing doing it.., so that one could EXPERIENCE such wonderful things 🌹

[@cleavehodge6031]

WoW, What A Great Speech From My Favorite Tennis Player In The W🌍RLD MR. ANDRE AGASSI!!! I've Always Liked Him And Admired His Game But I've Come To Respect Him Even More For All The Good He's Doing For Those Children And Young Adults In Helping Them Believe In Themselves And Achieve More They Can Ever Imagine. I Like Andre So Much That I Purchased His Book And I Enjoyed Reading It From Start To Finish. I Had No Idea That He Didn't Like Tennis, That His Father Wanted Him To Be A Tennis Player And Like Most Sons, Didn't Argue, He Just Practiced And Played To Satisfy His Father But Ultimately To Make His Father Proud. It Was The Only Thing He Knew And That Was The Only Reason Why He Decided To Play If He Was Going To Earn A Living. When He Finally Realized That He Had A Gift To Play The Game Well And To Accomplish What Many Players Worked So Hard But Never Achieve, He Got It Together And Set Out To Obtain 8 Grand Slam Championships. He Would Think That This Man Would Transform From A Rebel With His Trademark Quote "Image Is Everything" To One Of The Most Humblest Men Today. Just Goes To Show You How People Can Change If They Wake Up And Realize Who They Are And What They Were Meant To Be And How That All Can Be Possible With A Little Help From Friends, And Family. I'm Very Proud Of You Andre And The Work You Have Done And The Lives You Continue To Change In Las Vegas And Across The Country. THANK YOU ANDRE AGASSI FOR GIVING SO MUCH OF YOURSELF AND GIVING EVERY INNER CITY KID HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE. YOU'RE MY HERO!!!!🥎🥎🥎🥎🥎🥎🥎🥎🥎🥎🥎🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾😉😊👍💪👊✊👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯✊💯💯💯💯💯💯💯🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

[@predictions100]

full of heart...so inspiring...

[@jggroupon]

OMG, did tears come to my eyes cos of a hall of fame sports inductee??? I really respect u Andre, big time

[@DTysonator]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing this inspirational speech on life, @tennisfarmer :). Andre Agassi speaks the truth here. No one is perfect. We all lose in life at some point or another, but it's how we deal with those losses that ultimately defines us. We must keep it up and NEVER give up in the game of life, if we are to achieve our full potential and inspire others into doing the same! We CAN do it!

[@January.]

WOW

[@carmelrankin9362]

Andre, what a great speech. You deserve this and i'm happy for you and your family. Nelson Mandela is one of my heroes and to hear you mention him and his advice was poignant.

[@anntengocampo1455]

what an inspiring speech to a player who brought colors and exitement in tennis. just cried and was happy to hear how much you love your family esp.my fave Steffi and your Jaden and Jazz. continue helping , learning and loving, i catched those kisses!

[@purplesmiley533]

This girl is just very happy and excited to be there for Andre. I can see thru her how Andre has inspired her to be confident and be yourself.

[@elfiepapini4470]

MUFC team sport verses single sport ? No comparison, you try and play singles for 4-5 hours in heat conditions and I’ll tell you who are the better athletes, nothing to do with popular sport!

[@Jreed8181clt]

I don’t even watch sports but I love his speech and watch it when I’m down

[@user-jv9qz2bu1r]

Heartfelt speech. Love Nick B !! Glad to see him recognized.

[@chloecarr4970]

He should be a motivational speaker. seriously

[@RCTPatriot75]

"You have a dream and I have strong shoulders, so stand on my shoulders and reach". My advice to the young, surround yourself with the kind of people you want to be.

[@lauralangham9657]

I'm so glad he mentioned about being #142 and then regaining his #1 ranking - Wow, who else could do that ? No one.

[@crosbyyacht]

@zanthum2045 Simone did a great job! There's nothing wrong with showing excitement and emotion, especially for a girl as young as she is. We want to see her excitment! It proves how much Agassi has given back. I think she did the job perfectly!

[@Vijayabeulahjesus]

What a wonderful, dignified, gentle players we have in the past.!!? Amazing

[@roccorockssd]

wow. he should be a motivational speaker. traveling to schools around the world.

[@JasonFingerman1212]

Every Journey is Epic and begins today.

[@rr7firefly]

Climbing out of the hole is one of the most important lessons to take from this wonderful speech. With the rarest of hero's traits, honesty and humility, Andre inspires us to live a meaningful life, one that embraces responsibilities and persists in the face of doubt and dark times. Begins at 24:00

[@camdawg1984]

Thank you for posting this.

[@pamelahl1]

Andre~ so sweet and humble ~what a joy to see this. Thank you for sharing!

[@RichardsWorld]

He is only about one and half years older than me but I looked up to him when I was young and trying out tennis.

[@MissAries76]

My ALL-TIME favorite player. I love you Andre!!!!!!!!!!!

[@patrickkelly9110]

Super speech , really inspirational

[@ais6863]

Great speech, one of the all-time greats, he just had a hard time figuring out his two main rivals, himself and Pete Sampras.

[@bobbygassman]

"Rock-bottom is an interesting place, i moved in and spend some time there..." Nice comment.

[@dineomoledi73]

Beautiful speech Andre

[@tulipesauiluma4125]

The greatest sports person I ever know with a big heart love for others GOD BLESS 💓💓💓💓💓

[@meenadadlani5719]

Luv this gentleman and Steffi💖

[@hoonlee2026]

Agassi for Mayor of state of Nevada!!! I am damn sure he would do much more efficient job for people than existing politicians.

[@lrebsten7155]

Hoon Lee I second his nomination. :-)

[@josephsilvala1027]

this man is God sent to give us inspiration about life...

[@stidwell91]

He is no god.

[@nagisakowrau]

What an inspiration, he was just an amazing human being

[@January.]

*He IS

[@kavadale]

A speech on par with his best tennis; yes, I am impressed and proud for him and with him.

[@hoognj]

Andre is phenomonal.

[@jackdanielss]

That intro speech was amazing

[@donallarkin2671]

Andre is, was and always will be d number 1 for me, a true legend who I watched grow up from surfer dude to absolute statesman, I just wish his 24year old self was there now 2 give the 3 so-called greatest of all time something 2 think about...

[@vivianaalbanese20]

You are in the history wonderfull man and soul! You will always be my favourite player. Have a good life Andre!

[@TheTuscaloosa]

He was never the best player, he was never the most talented player, but he is one of the few who made and still makes a difference in life. He can be proud of himself and this is biggest achievement anybody can reach.

[@snowmarten129]

Michael Stich called him the most talented player.

[@sperrotta91]

Yeah, to imply Agassi was a limited grafter is utterly ridiculous.

[@ciaronsmith4995]

Agassi was by far the most gifted player I have ever seen .....what are you on? A pure talent. It was his mindset that let him down big time. 8 slams though...he is an all time great so its all good.

[@richardkrivik7032]

sperrotta91 . What a prick are you ?! Fuckin idiot .. YOU HAVE NO IDEA OF TENNIS HYSTORIE..GO GOOGLE IT DUMB ASS ....!! ALL 4 GRAND SLAM .. OLYMPIC GOLD .. NUMBER 1 3 times.. WORL CHAMP age 20...etc .....

[@arindambanerjee3326]

He was bigger than tennis.For me Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player of all time but Andre Agassi is not only a tennis player,he is larger than life and his story is a fairy tale of tennis.He is a tennis rockstar and a revolutionary who changed the game.

[@Orion3741]

Andre Agassi - achieved the Grand Slam. Won Gold at the Olympics. Represented the USA at the Davis Cup. Played in 3 different decades.

[@FayJamieChambers]

Loved listening to that amazing man Andre.

[@denise2304]

The world needs more people like you, Andre! It is sorely lacking these days! Andre is an amazing, intelligent writer and speaker, and he truly understands what is important in life. Thank you for your honesty and openness, Andre!

[@denise2304]

Andre understands that greatness is not about winning and being better than others. It is about being the best you can be for our world... a humble man who, in his own way, is one of the greats like Mandela.

[@Lovegainers5]

Agassi is the man!

[@epassamiDevon]

thank you tennis!

[@scottlebrun6782]

Who could dislike Agassi?

[@willnill7946]

Scott LeBrun I do

[@chancock4222]

will Nill Yes but you’re a douche.

[@Jreed8181clt]

:3 I don’t

[@davidbcg286]

Boris Becker

[@familieahrens5613]

André Agassi and his wife are very generous. God bless you.

[@hieroglyph321]

Loved Ms. Ruffin at the beginning and it was clear how proud Agassi was of her, and so he should be ... and a great speech by the man himself. "Every journey begins today" .... (dragonfly at 7:10)

[@Rogapol]

I felt like standing up and clapping after that speech. Do you think Mr Agassi will be Mr President in another 10 years? Only if Dad tells him!

[@ciaronsmith4995]

Best player of his generation.

[@EndoftheTownProductions]

Sampras by far.

[@ciaronsmith4995]

@@EndoftheTownProductions Agassi by far. Pete needs to learn how to hit a backhand and play on clay.

[@EndoftheTownProductions]

@@ciaronsmith4995 Sampras had a tremendous backhand volley and slice, and his flat BH was solid. Sampras' lifetime record against Agassi is 20 to 14 with 6 to 3 in grand slam matches. He was clearly the better player head to head.

[@ciaronsmith4995]

@@EndoftheTownProductions Agassi skipped the Australian open for half a decade, was on Meth for half his career and still won all the slams and revolutionized baseline tennis. Pete had one of the single worst backhands of all time for a grand slam winner, and a one dimensional game without the serve. He had a decent forehand, apart from his serve and volley borefest.

[@EndoftheTownProductions]

@@ciaronsmith4995 His slice backhand was a tremendous shot in neutralizing rallies and setting up a cross court rally to his forehand. There were many times where his down the line BH was working great and was quite effective. Pete had a lifetime winning record against Andre and was 4 - 1 against him in grand slam finals. Look at Sampras' record in grand slam finals: 14 - 4. Agassi's record was 8-7. Sampras was simply the better player.

[@gojipoj]

Youre a legend

[@rabiouah8280]

Great champion great heart great speech

[@soorjyodatta7911]

What a speech! 💐

[@epassamiDevon]

thank you tennis! well andre.....I respect you so much. thank you!!!

[@karenconnor6682]

Thanks 😊

[@Jreed8181clt]

Here have a donut *gives donut*

[@robbiedigital79]

I'm having a hard time reconciling this speech and Andre's apparent relationship with his father with what I'm reading in "Open".

[@alexbolongaita7545]

It was implied in the entirety of his speech. He realized at 29 to stand up and be a man that his father saw in him.

[@_Simkim]

It looks as though this girl read the chapter of 'Open' where Andre thoroughly describes the effects of a certain substance...

[@heftyalan1152]

Amazing returner of serve.

[@jackaltv]

Andre Agassi & Walter Payton should always be in the conversation when it comes to Heart. I never got to meet Walter, but I talked to Andre more than once. He’s got to be God’s cousin.