Tennis heroes Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi share two children together, who they vowed never to push into becoming tennis players, though they still enjoy active and sporty lives
As if the pressure of following the footsteps of one sporting legend parent wasn’t enough, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf’s children grew up with both parents being inducted into the tennis Hall of Fame.
The couple are widely considered to be among the greatest tennis players the sport has ever seen. Agassi, 55, won all four Grand Slams – starting with Wimbledon in 1992, four at the Australian Open and a total of eight in all. The son of an Iranian-born Armenian boxer, he also won Olympic gold and three Davis Cups for the United States.
After his sole victory at the French Open in 1999, he began dating the ladies’ singles champion Graf, who won an astonishing 22 singles Grand Slams from 31 finals, including 13 in a row. The German remains the only player to win all four majors at least four times, while also being the last male or female singles player to win all four Grand Slams in the same year.
Agassi and Graf, with 30 Grand Slams between them, married in 2001. Just days later, they welcomed their son Jaden Gil Agassi into the world. And two years later, their daughter Jaz Elle was born.
Despite their own burning passion for tennis, and more recently pickleball, the superstar parents were determined not to push their children into following their example. Yet, it is clear they have inherited plenty of sporting talent and hand-eye coordination.
Jaden Gil Agassi
Despite his background, Jaden, 23, had a relatively normal upbringing compared to his parents, who were consumed by the gruelling tennis circuit from a young age. Left to choose his own path, Jaden naturally gravitated towards the baseball diamond.
The 6ft 3in pitcher endured a tough run in high school, requiring elbow surgery after his first game in 2019 and having his 2020 season derailed by Covid-19.
He went on to play for the University of Southern California Trojans while majoring in business, enduring an up-and-down three years. He had a respectable year as a sophomore with a 3-2 record and a 4.34 ERA, but after a coaching change, he regressed as a junior with a 9.70 ERA.
The young Agassi found his footing again in MLB’s draft league last summer with a 2.96 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 27 1/3 innings for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
Of his decision to make a career for himself in baseball, Jaden said: “Agassi is a very tennis last name, the goal is to try to make it a baseball one too.”
That has proven more difficult than planned as the youngster struggled in his debut at the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers earlier this year, where he represented Team Germany.
Playing for Graf’s birth nation, the pitcher faltered on the mound against Brazil, allowing four earned runs, three hits and two walks in just 0.2 innings. Agassi entered the game in the fourth inning but was yanked before the end of the frame after a sacrifice bunt moved a runner to second base.
Off the field, he keeps a low profile, rarely posting photos on his Instagram. But, in September, Jaden gave a rare insight into his life by taking to Instagram to share a two-year relationship milestone he was celebrating with his girlfriend, Catherine Holt.
Alongside a collection of romantic photos showing the couple kissing, attending sports games and posing for mirror selfies, Jaden wrote: “Best two years of my life and it’s all thanks to you! I love you so much I can’t wait for so many more to come.”
Catherine shares Jaden’s passion for sports, holding a degree in Sport Management and interning at the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. Of her hopes for the future, Catherine wrote on her LinkedIn: “I’m highly passionate about the sports industry and making an impact as a woman in sports.”
Jaz Elle Agassi
Jaden’s sister, Jaz, keeps an even lower profile on social media. Like her brother, she was also born and raised in Las Vegas.
She is understood to have dabbled in horse riding, golf and dancing. Jaz even won some hip-hop dance competitions when she was younger.
Judging by her Instagram, it’s clear that she loves time spent outdoors, enjoying everything from snowboarding to making “cow friends” at a farm. She remains passionate about arts while trying to forge a career in fashion.
Mom Graf said of the kids: “Jaz plays a little bit of tennis, Jaden not so much. We never really introduced tennis so much into their lives.
“They’ve chosen other things that we were surprised with… they love their arts and music.”
