The former American legend has built his ideal tennis player, putting together ‘pieces’ of other champions, taking serve, forehand, backhand, speed and mentality

Andre Agassi snubs Rafael Nadal talking about best tennis skills

In recent months, many tennis players and former tennis players have had fun building their ideal tennis player, assembling pieces from past and present champions; the latest was Andre Agassi and his choices have caused discussion.

The legendary American was invited to build his ideal tennis player and, in a post published on the social profiles of the US Open, Agassi, winner of 8 Slam titles, outlined his ideal player through 5 main categories: serve, forehand, backhand, speed and mentality.

Agassi cited Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic while he snubbing Rafael Nadal.Andre AgassiAndre Agassi© Chris Unger / Stringer Getty Images Spor

For the serve, Andre pointed to John Isner: “Pete Sampras had a great serve, I mean for a normal-sized person excellent. His mechanics, his execution of the shot were perfect. It was beautiful to watch. But if I have to evaluate the serve I would say indisputably John Isner. I have never seen anyone serve what John did,” analyzed Agassi.

On the choice of forehand, the American explained: “There are many ways to judge a forehand, but here I would say Roger Federer. Sampras’ running forehand was superior to Federer’s, he hit a phenomenal ball. But in general on the forehand my choice falls on Roger Federer.”

On backhand, Agassi chose himself: “I would say mine. I’ve always had the feeling on my backhand of knowing exactly where the ball was going when I hit it. I had very few hesitations on this shot that has given me so much in my career.”Andre AgassiAndre Agassi© Mike Ehrmann / Staff Getty Images Sport

Regarding the speed of execution (and thought), Agassi said: “Three guys are the fastest right now on the tour. They are Carlos Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur and Tommy Paul. I say Alcaraz for the skills he has shown in managing the point and for the ability he has to turn rallies around.”

Finally, Agassi talked about mentality, explaining: “Without a doubt, without any hesitation, I say Novak Djokovic. Mentally when he’s focused or needs to raise his level, he does it. No one can raise the level in a match when he serves like he does.”