Andre Agassi to become showstopper at Australian Open 2025 with big plans for lookalike contest

The Australian Open has a novel idea to draw crowds this year: a competition to decide which participant most closely resembles 4-time former champion, Andre Agassi.

The American former World No. 1, known for his trademark bald head and flamboyant attitude, clinched the first Grand Slam of the year four times (1995, 2000, 2001, and 2003). Agassi's style has always been as distinctive as his game, marked by heavy and accurate strokes off both wings and an ability to make outrageous returns.

Fans will be treated to the unique experience at the TOPCOURT, a new precinct in Melbourne that promises "the ultimate fan experience" for Australian Open fans. "Fans who fancy themselves doppelgangers for "The Las Vegas Kid" will take to Centre Stage tomorrow at TOPCOURT," read the official announcement. It also said that "Big prizes" will be on offer for the winners. Veteran tennis writer Michal Samulski weighed in on the news, saying:

"There is only one Andrew Agassi but it is certainly another example of engaging tennis fans within this year’s Australian Open."

According to the official website of the Open, TOPCOURT has introduced "cutting-edge tech, immersive gaming and Augmented Reality, live music, DJ Tiebreakers, and the hottest trends in food, fashion, and beauty" in the area, intending to draw younger fans to the sport.

At present, Agassi and his wife Steffi Graf are gearing up to defend his pickleball slam crown against the duo of Andy Roddick and Eugenie Bouchard.

A popular figure in Melbourne, Agassi relished the hard courts of Australia. Remarkably though, the American skipped the first Grand Slam of the year for almost a full decade before winning on his first attempt.

Andre Agassi makes frank admission about his experience at the Australian Open

Andre Agassi signs autographs at the 1995 Australian Open - Source: Getty

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi has admitted that he regrets skipping the first major of the year during the initial years of his career.

“I skipped this tournament for nine years, and then when I came down I wasn’t sure how I was going to be received," the 54-year-old told Eurosport last year. "But not only did they embrace me, they led me on to victory the same year."

In the 1995 Australian Open final, Agassi defeated fellow American and his arch-rival Pete Sampras, trumping him in four sets of pulsating high-octane tennis.

“I’m regretful of it because this tournament turned out to be my most successful stop," Andre Agassi revealed. "I remember winning it (the match) in four, pretty much not losing my serve the whole tournament till the first set in the final, and sure enough, Pete was the first one to break me." [via The Tennis Gazette]

The main draw of the Australian Open 2025 will begin on Sunday, January 12.