Andre Agassi turns hitting partner for controversial Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy, days after Ben Shelton copped criticism for meeting latter

American entrepreneur and politician Vivek Ramaswamy recently participated in a practice session with Andre Agassi. He shared the video of their encounter on social media along with a few words of advice that the eight-time Major winner had offered to him.

Ramaswamy represented the Republican Party in the 2024 United States presidential election. The 39-year-old, who is known for his strong political opinions, also likes playing tennis in his free time.

Ramaswamy posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday (August 25) where he was seen sharing the court with Agassi. In the caption, the Indian-American disclosed that he had served as a ballboy in one of Agassi's matches.

He also shared that the American legend had offered him advice related to mental strength, writing:

"I used to be a ball boy for @AndreAgassi, we were hitting partners today. His sage advice: the longest distance between two points is that between your mind & your heart. Bend the former to meet the latter."

The above interaction comes only a few days after Vivek Ramaswamy met World No. 13 Ben Shelton during the latter's participation in the Cincinnati Open. He expressed pride in the young American, writing:

"Mark my words: future world #1 right here. 21-year-old American ⁦@BenShelton⁩ is dominating in Cincinnati. His best days are still ahead. Very proud of him!"

The interaction caused an online furor in the tennis universe. Many fans were unhappy with Shelton meeting Ramaswamy due to the politician's controversial stance on many topics.

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Andre Agassi: "I'm rooting for an American to break through in their backyard"

Andre Agassi hits a shot during an exhibition tournament (Image via Getty)

Andre Agassi was recently interviewed by the Tennis Channel over his men's singles picks for the 2024 US Open title. The 54-year-old stated that he wanted an American to take the trophy home.

He then spared a word for Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Sebastian Korda, heaping praise on each player's attributes.

"I'm rooting for an American to break through in their backyard," Agassi told the Tennis Channel. "We have 5 of them in Top 20. I mean, Tommy Paul's athleticism, the way Taylor hits the ball as quick as the courts are playing. I mean, Ben Shelton with the way he's serving."

"Sebi [Korda] with the way he's hitting it. Tiafoe could come, you know, I mean coming off last year, he turned the corner last week. I'm kind of hoping to see one of them do something really special," he added.

Agassi reigned supreme at the New York Major on two occasions in his long and illustrious career. The American famously won the Career Golden Slam, winning the Australian Open (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003), the French Open (1999), Wimbledon (1992), the US Open (1994, 1999) and the Olympics (1996).