Andre Agassi, the eight-time Grand Slam champion, has stirred up controversy with his commentary during the French Open. While previewing the men's semifinals on TNT, Agassi took aim at 20-year-old Jakub Mensik for employing a mental coach ahead of his match against Alexander Zverev.
“I’m not a big fan of bringing in a mental coach in the semifinals of a Slam,” Agassi said. “You’re supposed to bring in your mom at that stage.” The remark has since sparked a wave of backlash from fans and analysts alike, who argue that Agassi missed the mark.
Critics were quick to point out that Mensik has been working with the same mental coach for seven years, since he was just 13 years old. James Hansen of The Athletic called the segment “pretty weird,” noting that the coach has been foundational to Mensik’s rise on the tour and not a last-minute hire.
“They talk incessantly about the ‘pressure’ of playing deep in a Slam… but then collectively disparage a young player for having a mental coach,” one fan wrote on social media. “What a stupid take.” Others echoed the sentiment, with one fan saying, “Not sure why this matters? He can prepare however he wants. They just be yapping sometimes.” Another simply added, “Agassi cannot be serious.”
The controversy comes amid a broader discussion about mental health in sports, a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years. The backlash against Agassi highlights a generational shift in how athletes approach mental preparation, a subject also explored in the recent Aryna Sabalenka's shocking French meltdown that stunned the tennis world.
Agassi didn’t stop with Mensik. He also questioned Jannik Sinner’s endurance after the Italian's second-round exit at Roland Garros. “I know nothing about his preparation,” Agassi said. “I know he can play for 5.5 hours. He’s proven it. I know he’s the best player on the planet right now, but I also know that there’s no excuse for him to run into a wall at 1 hour 45.”
The comments have reignited debates about the role of mental coaching in tennis, especially for young players navigating the pressures of Grand Slam tournaments. With the men's final still ahead, Agassi’s takes are likely to keep generating buzz, but for now, many fans are siding with Mensik and his long-time mental coach.
As the tennis world continues to evolve, moments like these remind us that even legends can stumble when commenting on the next generation. For more on the lighter side of sports, check out the WWE legend Maryse stunning fans with summer swimsuit snapshots.
