Andre Aggasi's speech at Steffi's Hall of Fame induction

Andre Agassi introduces his wife, Stefi Graf, at her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (2004).
Here is a transcript of his speech:
"I truly consider it a rare honor to stand here today before so many of you that have done so much for our sport and have meant so much to me and Stefanie. Looking out across this audience filled with warm friends and great champions I am overwhelmed with the history and the tradition of this moment."
"As I attempt to find words worthy to introduce the person that has changed my life, I realize that the words have yet to be invented that are large enough, colorful enough or true enough to express the heart and soul of this woman that I love."
"Stefanie, I wonder what can I possibly say to do justice to the way you've lived your life and to the lives that you have changed."
"I began several years ago on the small chalkboard sitting in our kitchen, a tradition that I've carried on every night. At the end of each day I have picked up the chalk and tried to express the many things you mean to me. Sometimes just a brief line, sometimes a short story, but always just the overflow from a grateful heart, and yet after these months and years of writing to you each night I have never been at a shortage of ways to reflect the light you've brought into my life. And now how ironic that in these few short moments I need to capture in words these things I so deeply appreciate in you. Maybe I can say it to you this simple way."
"Not long ago we were on the road and I looked out our hotel room window from the upper floor of a very tall high rise. I could see the rooftop of an old and beautiful cathedral. It was stunning with its carved stone and marble - all done so perfectly. I could not believe the work of art I was seeing and I wondered how many years did they take to create this and what drove them to be this committed? Then I began to appreciate something greater. I realized that when this rooftop was built it was by far the tallest building. In an age long before airplanes or skyscrapers these artists believed each day as they went about their work that no human being or one set of eyes would ever see their creation. How could they not have cut one corner?
How could they consider no task routine? I can only think it came from a place deep inside - the need to be true to themselves was their reason and their reward."
"All of this has helped me to understand you just a little better, never needing applause to be your best, only needing to give the best your soul could give to feel complete."
"From the roar of voices inside the lines of center court to the quietness of a child's bedroom that generous soul that unbending strength that soft spoken integrity has not been shaken. The arena of tennis simply gave you a platform and an opportunity to refine those inner qualities even more."
"You have always been about the action not about the words. You have never defined yourself by what you have achieved, rather you have achieved by how you define yourself. And even now, it has taken my breath away to see how you've quietly laid down your racket to pursue love and motherhood with the same zeal and high standards you have always demanded of yourself."
"No, no one has ever known you to be infatuated by your own accomplishments. In fact, as I have often said, anyone who speaks with you will most likely forget the great things you have done within the first thirty seconds, but they will feel cared for, their feelings engaged and you never let go of their heart until they know that they are completely understood."
"The history books will record for posterity your ability to embrace and rise above adversity, to play through injury and to win again, and again and again."
"Far in the future people will analyze and discuss your place as the greatest of your time. And as those future generations hear of your strength and dominance they may be tempted to think that they know you, or the real heart of a giant that beats inside of you. But for those blessed enough to actually see first hand your quiet humility, to watch you represent your sport with unmistakable dignity and for those of us who are even more blessed to be lifted out of ourselves by your laughter, to be on the receiving end of your always generous heart, we will have etched forever in us something a statistic could never contain."
"We have been touched deeply by your life. You have made us better and we will never be the same. Stefanie, you have spent many years of your life competing, but right here we stand in the ears of your children and right now in my heart, you have no rival."
"Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you the greatest person I have ever known."

[@philipstormer3165]

I started this comment 30 times in 30 minutes, but i cannot find any words. Its just wonderful. All the best to 2 of the world greatest.

[@GhostofGerulaitis]

"...you have no rival." Damn, great line. Got me right in the feels.

[@marilou20091]

That's a man who loves his wife !!!

[@cleanplasticchild]

I can’t imagine how she must feel. I don’t think anyone can feel more loved than Steffi Graf in the world. Watching this has affected my life forever. Inspirational, Andre Agassi.

[@jerrylott4465]

Respect to Andre.....a man who idolises his beautiful wife

[@raymeedc]

What A Wonder Full Couple, & Still Going Strong Now, 12 Years Farther On & About A Quarter Century From Their Beginnings❣️

[@sumpitmalay6999]

In my heart, you have no rival. Man.. that’s deep

[@Adaisy45]

Simply beautiful! So wonderful to see him speak so highly of his wife. Role models for sure!!

[@rtlkjhgbfvg]

OMG what a wonderful speech from a loving Husband. You feel that every word comes from the bottom of his heart. Andre is such a loving husband and father. Still looking as if it was yesterday, I see Andre's gaze towards the tribune during the match and his grateful and loving smile for Steffi said more than a thousand words. It was simply fascinating how her eyes kept finding each other as if Andre completely hide in these moments that there are still hundreds of people sitting and his eyes only see Steffi. Whenever you see them together, you feel the mutual deep affection and respect for each other. When I hear Andre talking about his wife and children and see him shining all over his face, my heart goes up. Steffi has been very lucky, such a loving husband wishes every woman by her side. I wish them both the best of luck and that they always want to keep their deep feelings for each other.

[@rucamo1]

Andre I have never heard such a wonderful tribute by any man to his wife such as what you said to Steffi her at the induction. It was so inspiring, so wonderful I taped it and will keep it as an example to all of us husbands how we should express our feelings to our wives. Thank you Andre Aggasi you are a wonderful role model for all of us.

[@anoop5660]

I love and wonder for the way how Steffi maintain simplicity and how she changed Andre's world from lonely divorced man to a happy family man, and great person in society. Thank you Steffi.

[@bab1374]

Andre is a few luckiest men in the world..On the other hand, Steffi has a nice, kind loving man as well! They are a match made in heaven. I love them..I have no doubt they will be together forever in infitive numbers of years...Their children are lucky to have such wonderful parents!

[@juliettecad3899]

When you belong to the same criminal organization what else? Dangerous individuals when you encounter them up close

[@ronny-lb1cr]

​@@juliettecad3899 That's not true. I grew up in the same little town in Germany, went to the same school and she's the most down to earth person imaginable. She didn’t change when she was a pro player, very shy and yet kind to others. She's a copy of her humble and friendly mother period 🤷🏿

[@carrerau7138]

@@ronny-lb1cr The Agassi crime family has apparently silenced poor Juliette....

[@indaybrady]

Wow amazing speech from Agassi. God bless you and your loved ones.

[@carmenwilley8858]

Wonderful speech, from a man who respects a woman.

[@sanjeevsaini6475]

They are made for each other, lovely and polite, God bless.

[@Dean814]

Agassi is so eloquent. His speeches always amaze me.

[@shawnn7502]

Completely amazing that Andre fricking Agassi, one of the greatest male tennis players of all time, married a woman who was an even BETTER tennis player than he was. Yet, as legendary as they were on the tennis court, both might be even better off of it.

[@elainegrimes5378]

Andre was my favourite player of all time. And Steffi the greatest woman player. What a wonderful couple. God bless them and their family.

[@cherrypievictoriano6265]

Steffi is the greatest person. Greatest tennis player of time

[@jackielouw4752]

This is love, wow how lucky they are to have found one another. Just beautiful❤

[@ming840]

Loving tribute to an amazing champion and who, from written accounts, is a wonderful and modest person.

[@artdodge201]

Absolutely beautiful, how he loves his wife. Beautiful. Art

[@araksinalbandian6896]

ANDRE GAN WHAT A LOVLY COUPLE 🙏🇦🇲🇺🇸👍👍❤️❤️❤️YOU THE BEST COUPLE I NEVER KNOWN IN MY LIFE. LOVE YOU ALWAYS . STEFFI IS A LUCKY WOMAN. SHE DESERVES YOU. ❤👏👏👏👏👏👍

[@DAH210774]

She also goes onto say... "Tennis has allowed me to get on this incredible journey and the best thing about it was that it led me to you..." And points to Andre Ahhhh what a woman! :-)

[@LJS232]

words really cannot express the magic of these two truly iconic human beings and tennis players!

[@verahaugland3506]

Beautiful speech to and from the beautiful husband Andrea Agassi to the beautiful wife Steffi Graf 🎾❤️🎾

[@lssuku]

Great

[@oyamadyosiba2938]

The words Legend, icon, star are always used loosely. Here is someone who is true that and beyond. Steffi Graf was the a legend, Icon and everything the world needs. She will be always be remembered and loved years when she gone. She is still my idol up today. Thank you Andre for Loving our Queen.

[@berylpitman8538]

Federer family

[@TheBella2u]

After I die and come back I want to be loved this much!

[@bab1374]

You can find now with the blessing and luck! Best wishes!❤❤

[@ballaesmeralda]

Agassi is an beautiful example that the people change in better if they want

[@jenandlaw]

Wow. What a class act. Both of them.

[@ahmedabdullah8909]

Steffi, you are the best ever for all your fans around the world. We love and miss you so much.

[@sab4289]

One of the greatest athletes in german history...true legend Danke Steffi Graf!!

[@Diasuko]

so wahr!

[@carrerau7138]

The greatest by far.

[@e.h.106]

Both of them are wonderful in any way ✝️🙏❤️💐

[@nancyzorbaugh510]

Love his speech.show so much love for her

[@FLG232]

Beautiful speech dedicated not only his wife but to one of the greatest female tennis player's of all time

[@jorologo]

Women are never lost for words, but on occassion she was blown away.

[@thierrygiunta1093]

Amazing woman!

[@AddictedtoBlistex]

They make a great couple, it's wonderful to see them together. True love :)

[@Sofire2410]

What a beautiful speech. Loved Fraulein Forehand.

[@PassionTimewithPatriciaGras]

To hear you are loved so much ..is amazing...yes mam..it is!

[@poojavaidya3074]

Omg. Andree Ur such wonderful person & husband. Hatts off to u Andre. U were there in our heart but u occupied our heart with these heartfelt words for my lifelong star Steffi. Love u both. God bless u and live long each other always😘🤗

[@merceditajarabejo1327]

Awesome speech from a loving husband who are proud for his wife.Trust you're a blessed both of you:)

[@hangfirers]

Amazing how every line of it is so, so quotable. I cried!

[@Johntkr]

Andre and Steffi are truly great people! We have so many fake people, while they stand out as sincere and caring people. It's great to see real role models-- Andre and Steffi!

[@VVS167]

Roger that🌹

[@sereneyy]

she's his wife, dammit! agassi was speaking from his heart. both of them are lovely people.

[@Ariane67]

What an amazingly beautiful speech it is, it moves me so much... I cannot thank you enough for the transcript you so generously gave to us, it's a true gift and I'll keep it. For these words are such a powerful act of love and admiration, it just gives me a thrill. Thank you so much for sharing this magnificent document !

[@hectorcarreno1922]

The two of them...it fits...it just does.

[@14rmjr]

what a GREAT speaker he is :)

[@suedoyle4526]

I loved watching you both play years ago but even better is watching you together now and how the two of you connect so well ❤️ That was a truly heartwarming speech .... a genuine beautiful couple

[@mikes3827]

True. Andre was gushing with his love and admiration of Steffi as a person--not a tennis player--and watching the normally shy/stoic Steffi get very emotional at the end was VERY touching and good to see (but wish I could have seen more of her reaction).

[@sushmitasarmadhikari3307]

Steffi is the best.Truely incomparable.Showed the world how tennis should be played....of course without muscle power. No wonder she won 22 grand slam titles.

[@ancanita8131]

I love you both !😘

[@jtatsiue]

I'm reading Andre's book now; it is AMAZING. Knowing what I know about him helps me to appreciate the way he feels about Steffi even more. Their relationship is a rare and precious gift and their example is genuinely redemptive. No three words have less to do with Agassi's life than "image is everything".

[@lathaantony6913]

Name of the Book, please

[@assundamcdonagh9477]

@@lathaantony6913 It's called Open by Andre Agassi.

[@Lava1964]

Open is the best sports autobiography I have ever read--and I've read dozens.

[@trent8002003]

It was really moving to see Steffi so touched. She was close to tears all that time and her lips were quivering...almost had me in tears, too.

[@ericagovea2262]

Let anyone who hates on Steffi Graf for whatever reason say what they will ( Monica Seles got stabbed because of her ) ( oh she won because she was lucky ) ( compared to Serena or other players she is nothing ) If there is one major lesson that I have learned in life it is that there will always be those who are jealous of your success and that you must ignore those people and move on . And that is what Steffi did the speech that her husband tennis legend Andre Agassi gave was spot on . Steffi is and always will be a class act humble even shy at times an amazing athlete and one of the greatest players in the game of tennis . And no matter what any of her critics had to say she kept going held her head high and did what she had to do and that my friends is what a true champion does . Mad props and much respect for my girl Steffi

[@anoop5660]

I know tons of Seles fans who have had huge respect for Steffi. They know Steffi was/is a true legend as their favorite Steffi. And some fans always come to comment. Yes, we have to ignore them. It is karma. We cannot change the world of haters even if we did nothing to them. Nice comment Erica.

[@dr.utsabdas9274]

othr than the golden slam which is really remarkable rest all grafs record are grossly inflated due to monica seles stab... seles was at 8 and graf at 11 slams with seles winning 7 of the last 9 slams at the moment of stabbing.. that says it all... steffi is great anyway but not as great as the number of slams show

[@markuse3472]

One must win other tournaments as well to be at the top: they all matter. Steffi is 6 - 4 against Seles before the meaningless stabbing (meaningless regarding any physical damage that was done which was none), regardless of the venue. Steffi is 10 - 5 overall against Seles. The stabbing was a basic coincidence to the timing of when all players would have finally noticed Monicas weakness: her double-handing everything. It was a major strength in her early years, but other players would have put a stop to it, and they did. Watching so many of her games after 1993 anyone intellectual can easily, easily see she was herself 100%. Any reasonable, smart person agree with the choice if they had to suffer a broken arm, foot, etc., or a suffer mentally, they would choose the physical. Michael Jordan's father was murdered, Jordan left the game for about 2 years, came back and the Bulls won another Three-Peat. Many athletes suffer certain things, but they come back and sometimes win it all. Monicas injury was minimal. It was simply that her time was up. She won the 1996 Ausie Open, made it far on other slams, and won touring titles. Evidence, science, says she was ready to win and be equally the best, but she didn't because she couldn't be the best. Her double handling everything took a toll on her torso and shoulders (which is why she grunted), regardless if she doesn't admit it, likely leaning on the crutch her fans lean on that it was the stabbing. It wasn't. She was figured out. She peaked in 1992-1993. Not all athletes last a long time. Some do some don't. Monicas double handling every volley could only last for so long (1993). While Seles' fans (the biased and prejudiced ones) try to do their best on seeing her as the best of her time, they also display feebleness when comparing the "stabbing" to nothing regarding Steffi's hardships. Steffi suffered various injuries, stomach sickness (while playing a match), and her father's scandal (which hit her mind and body). Steffi suffered, too, but she showed she was (for me she IS) the best by winning 22 Grand Slams overall and many touring titles. If not for these pains she went through, Steffi would have likely won more slams.

[@McClernand4]

Wonderfully said, Erica.

[@RCTPatriot75]

22 grand slam titles, anyone that says she was just lucky is quite frankly a moron.

[@tonywhite7083]

Wow first..what a speech..second she must be really a gem..

[@carrerau7138]

She is.

[@stipV]

BEST COUPLE EVER

[@PassionTimewithPatriciaGras]

how very beautiful, and kind. I wish all couples would do that for each other!

[@davidmorgan9245]

What a great speech!

[@carmenwilley8858]

She was a classy player and I watched her play in person several times.

[@unrdnungmk6902]

I smoke mad weed at her house every few days.lol

[@tessmendoza1229]

the best tribute a woman could get is from an adoring & loving husband! every man's defenses & behavior can be seen thru the eyes of his/her spouse. truly, Steffi is not just an outstanding athlete but an outstanding daughter, sister, wife & mother. a woman of good substance!

[@willnill7946]

Tess Mendoza tell that to Monica seles, her stabbing victim

[@gildadadgar6769]

@@johnkeller7120 Theckthitht thcumbag!

[@johnkeller7120]

@@gildadadgar6769 ???

[@lisaanddeb]

iv been a fan 4 20years showin my age but steffi your the best love ya hun xx

[@WilloPR]

I wanna marry Andre and I'm a straight dude... holy shit what a speech! God bless you both!

[@joecron5745]

He did!

[@DAH210774]

I loved that speech and think they are a great couple and wish them well. They are both dignified and ambassadors for not just tennis but life... My aim in life is to feel that way about someone I marry one day. I think I shed a tear! ;-)

[@gmr7494]

That's the best love letter to a wife someone could've ever written

[@bab1374]

No doubt about it! It was written from the bottom of his grateful heart for sure! One could not write such words in a speech if he could not have feeling, admire, respect, love and appreciation for his wife! Those beautiful words and phrases indeed came from his loving experiences with his wife!❤❤

[@scott7521]

Agassi is a deep and smart guy. A far cry from his bleach blonde image is everything days. I can't believe this was almost 20 years ago.

[@lakshmimuralidharan8294]

Billion blessings of love and light to both of you!

[@vdevarajanolympicboxer.6086]

Great speech, Respect girl powers

[@estel74]

She hadn't no words anymore. As would she could after such speech? this is a declaration of true love, not only a speech! That wonderful husband he must be! And Stefanie, even before to be a great champions, she is a great woman.

[@gwenmarie7311]

This is so beautiful!!

[@demonhoopa]

They were my two favorite players. To see them get together at the end of Steffi's career was just awsome.

[@gildadadgar6769]

We just need a HD video of them fucking. That would be the icing on the cake.

[@VenusianTaureau]

Steffi is my idol, and to me she's the all time greastest femal tennis player, she was all business and no bullshit and best of all she dominated with an iron fist. LOVE YA STEFFI!

[@jonathangianguzzo1043]

Steffi always was, and always will be, perfection... The greatest tennis player of all time...

[@terrytang5367]

Imagine how lucky it is to be their children!

[@Lava1964]

They won the genetic lottery, that's for certain.

[@rolderdrummer2448]

Great and lovely words for Steffy from Andre. They Must be together, Never be dispair their love...

[@Mackenzie73]

Thank u Andre..........that was truely wonderful....

[@samson9535]

This is a rare expression of love from a husband to a wife. Sadly, most marriages are bad and I am speaking from experience.

[@steffigrace9928]

steffi is lovely. :)

[@timothyroche6445]

lucky man and he knows it hooray to steffi and andre

[@Ravi-ny4qk]

The best Steffi and the best couple in Sports and their together, love them both

[@ramian56]

thank you for the video!!

[@RuthlessFerocity]

Steffi Graf The Greatest Woman Tennis Player of all time! Andre Agassi The Greatest Humanitarian Tennis Player of All Time!

[@rosellocabalonga6350]

They both my idol in tennis sports...

[@gianlucabettoni6864]

that's love

[@carrerau7138]

The greatest love story of the century so far. Like a fairytale.

[@user-nb9de2fi7k]

Wow what a man

[@eyestungdustnblind]

Such eloquence ,...such love,..if only for a fleeting moment ,the depth of which I may some day feel, and then fall to my knees ,and thank God ,for every breath I have ever taken ,and for every soul that I myself may also touch, in such a way....

[@bab1374]

I am sure with faith you will experience this kind of love!❤❤

[@jembals]

not only that, she's the type of woman who grew more attractive from her younger days. have you seen her recently? she's looking great.

[@bab1374]

Yes, she looks more beautiful as years go on!❤❤Like aged wine!❤❤

[@joelewis8770]

Happiness 😊 together 👪 forever!

[@32winPlay]

Love Love Love

[@thecoryaprilia]

This is so sweet.

[@iguassu28]

I love Steffi and...Martina N. Two the BEST stars!

[@binatangabsurd6213]

Graf had incredible rival in his career like navratilova, seles, joe fernandez, sabatini,sanchez vicario until hingis. While Selena dont have any rival that match with her...

[@nofallsnoballs21]

Ein tolles Paar

[@kanagajothi1042]

Steffi God blessings life.

[@Kylieleon]

Tears tears...well said Andre.

[@angelicadeperu]

great couple!

[@-1lovethesea]

The secret to happy marriage is compatibility. They are compatible.

[@bab1374]

Absolutely! They understand each other feeling without saying a words! ❤❤❤The beauty of compatibility!

[@dr.rajthangavel1026]

Fine job perfectly done

[@u229758]

Andre might talk and talk and talk, this time was no different, what was different is that the things that he said about Steffi this time were pretty much true, she was always quiet, humble, classy, in fact that's what made Steffi so special. Andre you are one freakin' lucky man.

[@bab1374]

Absolutely as Andre said in the interview..” sometimes good is not enough it is about luck and we were lucky to find each other!

[@Plane60]

perfect couple

[@Flipboy5]

My biggest disappointment in life = Never seeing Steffi live. What I would give to have witnessed her greatness, maybe one day I'll see her hit the forehand pass me....a guy can dream, right?

[@Lava1964]

Same. I missed her by one day. I had tickets for all the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open in Toronto in 1999 and fully expected Graf to be one of the quarterfinalists. She suffered an upset defeat and I missed seeing her.