"I didn't like John McEnroe & Jimmy Connors because of behavioral things" - When Andre Agassi explained why he found it 'easy' to root for Bjorn Borg

Andre Agassi once opened up about looking up to John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, and Bjorn Borg when he was younger. However, Agassi revealed that he found it easier to root for Borg rather than his legendary compatriots.

During their playing days, Connors and McEnroe were notorious for their fiery personalities and often made headlines for their on-court tantrums. The duo once almost even came to blows during a tense clash. In contrast, Borg gained recognition for his calm and composed demeanor, with his and McEnroe's rivalry earning the nickname 'Fire and Ice' due to their conflicting attitudes.

Although Andre Agassi had his own reputation of possessing a bold and rebellious personality, he found it "easy" to like and support Bjorn Borg due to the Swede's calmness. During a 2013 press conference, the former World No. 1 referred to Borg, John McEnroe, and Jimmy Connors as his childhood tennis heroes, disclosing that he tried to emulate their playing styles when he was younger.

However, Agassi admitted that he couldn't bring himself to like McEnroe and Connors initially because of their contentious behavior but acknowledged that his perspective on the seven-time Grand Slam champion shifted as he grew older.

"I always rooted very hard for Bjorn as well. He was easy to like, easy to root for. I tried to imitate a little bit of everybody's game. I did that with Bjorn. I did that with John. I did that with Jimmy. But Bjorn, when it was head‑to‑head, it was easy for me to root for him," Andre Agassi said.

"I didn't like Mack and Connors because of certain behavioral things. As I got older, I learned to like Mack," he added.

"I was more straightforward, Andre Agassi's whole act will be tough to keep going" - John McEnroe

John McEnroe and Andre Agassi - Source: Getty

John McEnroe had his own problems with Andre Agassi's personality. During the 1988 US Open, the seven-time Grand Slam champion criticized Agassi for perpetuating an act with his on-court behavior and suggested that being a "jerk" was easier.

"The stuff he pulls on the court makes opponents think they're being made fun of. Players like to get stabbed in the back more than in front. I was more straightforward. His whole act will be tough to keep going. It's easier being a jerk," McEnroe said (via Sports Illustrated).

Agassi refuted his compatriot's claims, insisting that he wasn't putting on a facade. The American also emphasized that he had no intention of changing his behavior until the audience made it clear that they didn't appreciate it.

Andre Agassi and John McEnroe locked horns four times on tour, with their head-to-head record standing level at 2-2. Their final encounter took place in the semifinals of the 1992 Wimbledon Championships, with Agassi claiming a 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 victory en route to his maiden Grand Slam title.