"I know people like you will only write that" - When Andre Agassi revealed why he excluded wife Steffi Graf from Australian Open winner's speech

Andre Agassi once noticeably excluded his wife, fellow tennis legend Steffi Graf, from his victory speech after triumphing at the 2001 Australian Open. The American explained that he made the decision deliberately due to the intrusive media.

That year, Agassi entered the Melbourne Slam as the sixth seed and defending champion. He delivered an impressive campaign at the Major, beating the likes of Andrew Ilie, Todd Martin, and Patrick Rafter to set up a blockbuster title clash with Arnaud Clement.

Steffi Graf, who had retired from professional tennis in 1999, cheered her husband on during the final, as the American claimed a dominant 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Clement to clinch his seventh Grand Slam title.

During the trophy presentation, Agassi candidly admitted that he hadn't prepared a winner's speech before expressing his heartfelt gratitude to his coach Brad Gilbert and fitness trainer Gil Reyes for their contribution to his success while conspicuously making no mention of his wife.

In his post-match press conference, Andre Agassi was asked whether he excluded Steffi Graf from his winner's speech out of shyness. However, the American clarified that he intentionally avoided talking about his wife because he knew certain reporters would only focus on his words about the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

"Because I know people like you will only write that," Agassi said.

Andre Agassi made a bet involving wife Steffi Graf and his triumph at Australian Open 2003

Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi - Source: Getty

In contrast, Andre Agassi made a public wager involving his wife Steffi Graf at the 2003 Australian Open. Following his semifinal win over Wayne Ferreira, the American declared that if he triumphed at the Melbourne Slam, he and Graf would play mixed doubles together at the French Open later that year.

"If I win here, Stef has to play doubles with me in Paris. You can print that and I’ll hold you to it," Agassi said.

Agassi then claimed a 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Rainer Schuttler in the final to clinch his eighth and final Grand Slam title. Despite his confident proclamation, the former World No. 1 emphasized that it would be very difficult to convince Graf to come out of retirement.

"I don't think anybody appreciates how hard this is going to be for me to get her out there," he said in his post-match press conference. "There is nothing about this she is going to enjoy."

Ultimately, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf did not end up playing mixed doubles together at Roland Garros, likely due to the German getting pregnant with their daughter Jaz. The couple had previously welcomed their son Jaden in 2001.