One of the greatest tennis players in history, former world number 1 Andre Agassi arrived this Friday at the Rio Open presented by Claro, where he will be responsible for presenting the trophy to the champion of the 12th edition of the biggest tournament in South America. He spoke about his first impressions, memories of Brazil and João Fonseca.
"It's great to be back and have an excuse to return to Brazil. There are so many memories here. I only had a brief chance to walk around the club, which looks extraordinarily beautiful, both in terms of the facilities and the landscape. It's very intimate," he said.
Back in the country where he won his first ATP title, at Itaparica in 1987, Agassi also spoke about the development of tennis, his relationship with Brazil, South American fans, and gave his opinion on a possible change of surface in South American tournaments.
"I have a special place in my heart for being here for many reasons. Of all the sports and tennis fans here in South America, I like to see the equality being shared. I think the change of surface could impact some players' decisions to come here, because this is a very difficult transition to go straight from here to the American hard courts, it affects the players," he explained.
As soon as he arrived at the Rio Open, the owner of eight Grand Slam titles met with Brazilians João Fonseca and Marcelo Melo. Agassi was with Fonseca recently at the Laver Cup and praised him.
"I met João briefly on the practice courts, spent a week with him at the Laver Cup, and it was great to see him again. He's obviously quite a sensation, but also an even better human being, far beyond his years, mentally, emotionally, very aware of his environment and processes. I always enjoy seeing someone I respect so much on and off the court," he added.
Click here to read the hole interview
"It's great to be back and have an excuse to return to Brazil. There are so many memories here. I only had a brief chance to walk around the club, which looks extraordinarily beautiful, both in terms of the facilities and the landscape. It's very intimate," he said.
Back in the country where he won his first ATP title, at Itaparica in 1987, Agassi also spoke about the development of tennis, his relationship with Brazil, South American fans, and gave his opinion on a possible change of surface in South American tournaments.
"I have a special place in my heart for being here for many reasons. Of all the sports and tennis fans here in South America, I like to see the equality being shared. I think the change of surface could impact some players' decisions to come here, because this is a very difficult transition to go straight from here to the American hard courts, it affects the players," he explained.
As soon as he arrived at the Rio Open, the owner of eight Grand Slam titles met with Brazilians João Fonseca and Marcelo Melo. Agassi was with Fonseca recently at the Laver Cup and praised him.
"I met João briefly on the practice courts, spent a week with him at the Laver Cup, and it was great to see him again. He's obviously quite a sensation, but also an even better human being, far beyond his years, mentally, emotionally, very aware of his environment and processes. I always enjoy seeing someone I respect so much on and off the court," he added.
Click here to read the hole interview
