[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 2, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ANDRE KIRK AGASSI

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
achievements of Andre Kirk Agassi, professional tennis player and 
fellow Nevadan, for his induction into the International Tennis Hall of 
Fame earlier this month.
  He was born on April 29, 1970, in Las Vegas to Mike and Betty Agassi. 
The son of a former Iranian Olympic boxer, Andre Agassi's father taught 
him to play tennis at a very young age. At 16 he made his professional 
debut, and 1 year later he won his first singles title. He quickly rose 
to the international stage and was soon ranked No.1 in the world. He 
continued to represent Nevada and the United States, as well as 
athletes by winning a gold medal, which he earned at the 1996 Olympic 
Games in Atlanta, and by capturing eight Grand Slams.
  He is known as one of the most impressive champions in tennis 
history, and his charisma for the game drew attention and rivals alike. 
Many recall the great tennis rivalry with Pete Sampras of the mid-1990s 
which recaptured a robust following of tennis fans.
  Despite his tremendous success as an athlete, his accomplishments off 
the court are just as impressive. After his first Grand Slam title, 
Agassi founded the Andre Agassi Charitable Association, which has 
raised more than $60 million to help disadvantaged youth in Nevada. In 
2001, he also established a charter school for children in underserved 
communities and has funded countless scholarships. And just as he 
achieved the No. 1 ranking as a tennis player, Agassi recently reached 
the top spot on the New York Times Best Sellers List when he released 
his autobiography.
  I commend Andre for his efforts and extend my congratulations to his 
wife Steffi and their two children. Andre Agassi is an inspiration to 
all Nevada's student-athletes and I am pleased that his hard work and 
excellence is being recognized with the highest honor an athlete can 
receive.

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