Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and co snubbed as tennis icon ends debate by picking himself

Andre Agassi Overlooks Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in Debate Over Tennis’ Greatest Backhand

Andre Agassi, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, recently claimed that his backhand is superior to those of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The 54-year-old American, who has won eight Grand Slam titles, is one of only five men to complete a career Grand Slam in the Open Era, and one of just three to achieve a career Golden Slam, including Olympic gold.

Agassi, known for his powerful two-handed backhand and well-rounded game, confidently stated that his backhand was the best in tennis history. When asked to build the ‘perfect’ tennis player by selecting skills from various legends, he didn’t hesitate to choose his own backhand, asserting that he always knew where the ball was going when he made contact.

For the best serve, Agassi chose John Isner, citing his record-breaking ace counts and massive presence on the court. Agassi joked that he was glad never to have faced Isner, describing him as a “nightmare” opponent. He also acknowledged Pete Sampras’ serve as the greatest for a “normal-sized” player but felt Isner’s serve was unbeatable.

Rafa Nadal and Djokovic have been overlooked in the debate over who has the best backhand in tennis

When selecting the best forehand, Agassi gave the nod to Roger Federer for his versatility and consistency, while also praising Sampras’ running forehand as exceptional. For speed, Agassi highlighted Carlos Alcaraz as the player to watch, considering him the most dangerous in terms of transition play among current players.

In terms of mentality, Agassi picked Djokovic, emphasizing how the Serbian can shift the momentum of a match when he decides to elevate his game. He praised Djokovic’s ability to recognize and respond to critical moments better than anyone else.

Agassi, who turned professional at 16 in 1986 and quickly broke into the top 100, had an illustrious career, winning major titles across all surfaces. He completed his career Golden Slam by winning the French Open in 1999. Married to tennis legend Steffi Graf, Agassi retired in 2006, leaving behind a legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.