American tennis star Marcos Giron has opened up about the legends who shaped his career, revealing how Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi were the earliest influences on his game. In a candid interview at the Delray Beach Open, Giron also spoke about his admiration for modern greats like Roger Federer, Juan Martin del Potro, and Novak Djokovic.
The Early Inspirations: Sampras & Agassi
When asked about the players who inspired him, Giron didn’t hesitate to name two of the biggest icons in American tennis history.
“I mean, growing up when I was young, it was Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi—the two Americans leading the way,”
Sampras, known for his effortless serve-and-volley game, and Agassi, with his electric baseline play, dominated tennis in the 1990s. Their legendary rivalry captivated fans, and Giron was among those who watched closely, learning and shaping his own game.
As he matured in his career, Giron’s admiration expanded beyond American players.
“After that, yeah, it was hard not to be a fan of Federer, Del Potro, and Novak,”
A Late Appreciation for Rafael Nadal
While many young players idolize Rafael Nadal from an early age, Giron took a different path. He revealed that he wasn’t always a fan of the Spanish superstar but developed an appreciation for him later in life. Though he didn’t elaborate on what changed his perspective, Nadal’s relentless work ethic and unmatched fighting spirit have earned admiration from even his former critics.
Andre Agassi: The Mentor Who Changed Giron’s Career
Beyond being an idol, Andre Agassi has become a mentor for Giron. The relationship started unexpectedly in 2020, during a casual hitting session in San Diego. That encounter led to an invitation to train in Las Vegas, where Agassi provided valuable guidance.
“The biggest thing that he saw was that I was not looking for enough opportunity to be aggressive,”
Giron told ATPTour.com.
“And then he also really helped with my backhand. To be honest, he helped my backhand a lot.”
Giron’s respect for Agassi goes beyond tennis. He shared a heartfelt moment from the 2024 Hall of Fame Open, where Agassi was in attendance during his quarter-final match.
“The more time I spend with him, I realize he’s just a pretty face,”
Giron joked in his post-match interview after beating Alex Bolt.
He quickly got serious, though, acknowledging Agassi’s impact on his game and his character.
“No honestly, the guy’s unreal. He’s really the nicest guy I’ve ever met. His knowledge is incredible, so it’s really, really special. He’s somebody I looked up to growing up and it’s really amazing, and he’s even better in person than you can imagine.”
Marcos Giron’s Road Ahead at Delray Beach Open
Currently, Giron is competing at the Delray Beach Open, where he received a first-round bye as the fifth seed. He advanced to the quarterfinals after a straight-sets victory over Ethan Quinn and will now face seventh seed Miomir Kecmanovic in the next round.
With the guidance of Agassi and the inspiration of the legends he grew up watching, Giron is determined to carve out his own place among the top players on the ATP Tour. Whether he can replicate the success of his idols remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his journey is one to watch.
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