“After decades in the global spotlight, the tennis icons open up about stepping away from the public eye to embrace a quieter, more meaningful chapter. Fans didn’t see this coming.”
In a deeply personal announcement that has stirred reactions across the sports and celebrity worlds, tennis legends Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi have shared a decision that marks a profound shift in their lives. The couple revealed that they are stepping away from public appearances and professional commitments to focus on a slower, more family-centered lifestyle.
The video message, posted to their foundation’s official Instagram account Saturday afternoon, shows the couple seated in their backyard garden in Las Vegas, speaking candidly and calmly. Their message was simple, but powerful.
> “We’ve decided to leave it all behind,” Andre said, with Steffi beside him. “We want to live more quietly, with intention and presence. We’ve lived extraordinary lives, and now we are ready for something more grounded.”
A Surprising Shift for Two of Tennis’ Greatest
Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are both considered among the greatest players in tennis history. Graf, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, and Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam winner, have been married since 2001 and have become known not only for their athletic achievements, but also for their charitable work, especially through the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education.
While both have remained largely out of the media spotlight in recent years, they have continued to participate in select events, corporate appearances, and philanthropic initiatives. Their announcement marks a decision to further reduce their public presence and slow down their pace of life.
> “We’ve spent years on the road, in stadiums, under pressure,” Steffi said. “Even after retiring, there’s been a sense of constant movement. Now, we want to create a life where stillness is just as important as momentum.”
A New Direction for the Agassi-Graf Family
The couple shared that they will be relocating for part of the year to a private home in rural Colorado, where they plan to reconnect with nature, spend more uninterrupted time with their children, and reflect on their next chapter together.
> “We’ll always be connected to tennis,” Andre noted. “It’s part of who we are. But from here on, we want to spend our energy differently. Less performing, more being.”
Steffi also revealed that she hopes to expand her interest in wellness and mental health advocacy, potentially through a quiet retreat space on their new property. She described it as “a place for healing, not headlines.”
Public Reaction
The news sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with fans, athletes, and commentators expressing support and admiration for the couple’s decision. Hashtags like #ThankYouSteffi and #AgassiForever quickly gained traction.
> “Two legends choosing peace over pressure. This is what legacy looks like,” tweeted former player Martina Navratilova.
Tennis fans from around the world posted tributes, sharing memories of watching Graf’s graceful dominance on the court and Agassi’s charismatic fight through one of tennis’s most competitive eras.
What Lies Ahead?
Though they are not retiring from the world completely, Andre and Steffi made it clear that their future involvement in events and public appearances will be minimal. They said that their foundation will continue operating, but with a renewed focus on impact rather than visibility.
> “This isn’t goodbye,” Steffi said. “It’s just a change in rhythm. We’ve served our time in the spotlight. Now it’s time to serve ourselves, our family, and the kind of life we’ve always quietly dreamed of.”
It may not be the center-court finale fans envisioned, but it is a graceful transition worthy of two of sport’s most beloved champions. In the end, the greatest wins are often the ones that happen off the scoreboard.