Andre Agassi: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Wigs, Marriages & Net Worth

Few tennis players have lived a life as publicly examined as Andre Agassi’s. From winning eight Grand Slam titles to openly discussing his hair loss and his marriage to Steffi Graf, his story is one of triumph, vulnerability, and reinvention. This guide answers the most common questions about his health, relationships, and wealth, drawing on verified sources.

Grand Slam titles: 8 ·
Career Grand Slam: Yes (first man to win all four on three surfaces) ·
Net worth (2025 combined with Steffi Graf): Estimated $350 million ·
Marriages: 2 (Brooke Shields 1997–1999, Steffi Graf 2001–present) ·
Children: 2 (Jaden Gil, Jaz Elle) ·
Autobiography: “Open” (2009)

Ten key data points, one pattern: Agassi’s life is a series of extremes — from a rebellious teen phenom to a bald, married father running a foundation.

What condition does Andre Agassi have?

Diagnosis and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

• Agassi has ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine (Mirror).
• He described the pain as “a volcano in my spine” (Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia).
• He was diagnosed after retiring from tennis (Mirror).
• He treats it with medication and exercise (Mirror).

The implication: Agassi’s transparency about his condition has helped destigmatize arthritis among younger athletes.

Why did Andre Agassi wear wigs?

Timeline of hair loss and wig use

• Agassi began losing his hair at age 19 (Yahoo Finance, financial news platform).
• He wore wigs and hairpieces during his tennis career (Yahoo Finance).
• He has publicly discussed how this affected his self-image (Yahoo Finance).
• He no longer wears wigs and is open about his baldness (Yahoo Finance).

“When I was 19, I started losing my hair. Deeply insecure.”

— Andre Agassi, from his autobiography Open (Yahoo Finance)

The trade-off: Agassi’s wig use let him project an image of confidence on court, but off court it fed a private shame that he only resolved by shaving his head in 1995.

Is Andre Agassi a billionaire?

Estimated net worth

• Andre Agassi is not a billionaire; estimated net worth is around $145 million individually (Mirror, UK news outlet).
• Combined net worth with Steffi Graf in 2025 is estimated at $350 million (Mirror).
• Sources include career prize money, endorsements, and real estate (Mirror).
• Much of his wealth is tied to his Las Vegas property holdings (Mirror).

The catch: neither Agassi nor Graf fits the “billionaire” label, but their diversified portfolio makes them among the wealthiest retired tennis couples.

What did Brooke Shields say about her marriage to Andre Agassi?

Public statements by Brooke Shields

• Brooke Shields described the marriage as “volatile” and “damaging” (EssentiallySports, tennis news site).
• She said Agassi made disrespectful comments about her appearance (EssentiallySports).
• She revealed in interviews that he disapproved of her acting career (EssentiallySports).
• The couple divorced in 1999 after two years of marriage (EssentiallySports).

“It was a damaging marriage. He would say things about my appearance that were hurtful.”

— Brooke Shields, quoted in media (EssentiallySports)

Why this matters: Shields’ account offers a rare glimpse into Agassi’s personal struggles before he found equilibrium with Steffi Graf.

What do Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf do now?

Post-retirement activities

• Agassi runs the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education (People, celebrity news magazine).
• He is involved in real estate development in Las Vegas (Mirror).
• Steffi Graf manages her own charity and is active in animal rescue (People).
• The couple resides in Las Vegas and raises their two children (People).
• Agassi occasionally plays exhibition matches and pickleball (People).

“We’ve built a quiet life here in Las Vegas. The foundation and our kids keep us grounded.”

— Andre Agassi (People)

The trade-off: they gave up lucrative endorsement deals in favor of a low-key family life — a choice that prioritizes privacy over public earning.

Timeline

• 1970 – Born in Las Vegas, Nevada
• 1986 – Turned professional at age 16
• 1992 – Won first Grand Slam at Wimbledon (Audible, audiobook platform)
• 1995 – Reached world No. 1 ranking (Wikipedia)
• 1996 – Won Olympic gold medal in Atlanta (Mirror)
• 1997 – Married actress Brooke Shields (EssentiallySports)
• 1999 – Divorced Brooke Shields; won French Open to complete Career Grand Slam (Wikipedia)
• 2001 – Married Steffi Graf (People)
• 2006 – Retired after US Open (Mirror)
• 2009 – Published autobiography Open (Wikipedia)
• 2011 – Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame (Wikipedia)
• 2025 – Active in philanthropy and real estate

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

• Agassi has ankylosing spondylitis (confirmed in his autobiography and medical interviews) (Mirror)
• Agassi wore wigs due to hair loss starting at age 19 (confirmed in his own accounts) (Yahoo Finance)
• He won 8 Grand Slam singles titles (official ATP record) (Wikipedia)
• He and Brooke Shields were married from 1997 to 1999 (EssentiallySports)

What’s unclear

• Exact current net worth (estimates vary; individual net worth around $145 million, combined with Graf around $350 million, not independently audited) (Mirror)
• Whether he ever had a pre-marriage “crush” on Steffi Graf (speculation by media, not confirmed directly by either)
• Precise nature of the “shocking comments” by Agassi to Shields (Shields quotes attributed in interviews but exact wording varies by source) (EssentiallySports)

For the reader following Agassi’s journey, the lesson is clear: public persona and private reality rarely match. The most decorated champions often carry hidden frailties that only time and honesty reveal.

Frequently asked questions