Tennis Legends Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi Announce Major Philanthropy Initiative for Kids in Need
In a heartwarming announcement that has captured global attention, tennis legends Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi have revealed plans for a new philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged children through education and sports. The couple, who have long been admired not only for their success on the court but also for their commitment to giving back, shared details of their latest project at a press conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon.
The initiative, titled “Next Serve”, is designed to provide access to quality education, mentoring, and physical activity programs for children in low-income communities across the United States and Europe. Working through both the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education and Steffi Graf’s Children for Tomorrow organization, the project aims to reach more than 50,000 children in its first three years.
Agassi, who founded his education-focused foundation in 1994, spoke passionately about the new venture. “Steffi and I have always believed that every child deserves a chance to succeed, no matter where they come from,” he said. “Tennis gave us both incredible opportunities, but what truly matters is using what we’ve built to create opportunities for others. This is about giving kids the tools to believe in themselves.”
Graf, whose humanitarian organization has supported children affected by trauma and conflict since 1998, emphasized the emotional importance of the initiative. “Children who face hardship often just need one person or one opportunity to change the course of their lives,” she said. “With Next Serve, we hope to build programs that give them hope, confidence, and stability.”
The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from attendees, which included former players, coaches, and several current stars from the tennis world. Serena Williams, who attended virtually, called the initiative “inspiring” and praised Graf and Agassi for “showing what true champions do off the court.”
According to project representatives, Next Serve will begin with pilot programs in three major cities: Las Vegas, Berlin, and Los Angeles. The initiative will partner with local schools, community centers, and youth sports programs to provide resources such as after-school tutoring, counseling, and tennis clinics. Corporate partners and private donors have reportedly already pledged millions in initial funding.
The couple’s joint commitment to children’s causes is nothing new. Agassi’s foundation has raised more than $180 million to improve educational access in underserved communities, while Graf’s organization has supported thousands of children in refugee camps and trauma centers worldwide. However, this marks the first time the two tennis icons have formally merged their efforts into a unified project.
“What makes this so special,” Agassi said, “is that it’s truly a shared dream. Steffi and I have always worked toward helping kids, but combining our foundations allows us to make a bigger, lasting impact.”
Reporters at the event noted the couple’s warm and down-to-earth dynamic as they took questions. When asked about balancing philanthropy with family life, Graf smiled and replied, “It’s all part of who we are. We want our children to see that success is about more than trophies or headlines. It’s about using your voice to make things better.”
Social media quickly lit up with praise following the announcement. Fans and celebrities alike took to X and Instagram to celebrate the couple’s continued generosity. One user wrote, “Steffi and Andre are proof that true greatness extends beyond the court.” Another commented, “Legends on and off the court. The world needs more people like them.”
Longtime tennis analyst Mary Carillo said during an ESPN segment that the initiative “cements their legacy not only as athletes but as humanitarians who genuinely care about shaping a better future.” She added, “Graf and Agassi have always been quiet about their philanthropy, but their work speaks volumes.”
As the press conference came to a close, Agassi shared a personal reflection. “When I was a kid growing up in Las Vegas, my dad used to tell me that the greatest serve you can make isn’t on the court — it’s the one that helps someone else. I didn’t understand it then, but I do now.”
The couple’s message was clear: greatness is measured not by victories, but by impact. With Next Serve set to launch early next year, Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi continue to inspire millions — proving that champions never stop giving back.