Andre Agassi Partners With Lavazza To Help Underprivileged Youth (Video)

Late Italian businessman Luigi Lavazza and retired Tennis star Andre Agassi have more in common than you’d think, and now the sports legend is partnering with Lavazza’s namesake to do something extraordinary (video below).

Both men were innovative and made groundbreaking changes in their respective fields.

In 1985, Lavazza opened the first Lavazza store, which sold coffee blends sourced from all over the world. 

“He discovered the different origins and characteristics of the coffee plant, and studied the art of blending to meet the tastes of customers, creating the blends,” according to the company’s website.

Lavazza soon became a household name and a recognized brand in the world of coffee.

From the early 1990s to the mid-2000s, Agassi changed the game of tennis for good and is highly regarded as the man responsible for reviving the popularity of the sport.

“Agassi is undoubtedly one of the greatest champions of all time, with an impressive track record of winning 60 ATP titles, 8 Grand Slam tournaments, and having the honor of being world number one six times, an Olympic gold medal and is one of the only athletes to have a Golden Slam (four Grand Slams and a Gold medal),” a press release on Lavazza’s website reads.

As of Aug. 30, Agassi is the coffee company’s official spokesperson for the world of tennis. 

“In my autobiography I write about my life-long love for coffee, so it is a natural fit for me to be partnering with Lavazza, a company that has been at the forefront of the industry from day one,” Agassi said.

Lavazza has partnered with the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education in a charity initiative. The foundation “is dedicated to transforming public education and creating opportunities for children,” according to the press release.

The “I’m Back” campaign marks Agassi’s return to the U.S. Open after over 10 years — and presents an opportunity to give back. Lavazza will donate $1 to the foundation for every Lavazza coffee drink sold at the event. The funds raised will go toward “Summer of a Lifetime,” a college-preparation program at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy school in Nevada.

To create buzz around Agassi’s return to the U.S. Open, 150 clones of Agassi from the 1980s ran around New York City on Aug. 30 and interacted with people planning to attend the event. The group also performed at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in between the first and second evening match.

“It has been such a wonderful experience working with the innovative brand from filming the ‘I’m back’ video in Italy, to conceptualizing a fun and engaging activation that is kicking off our partnership,” Agassi said. “I look forward to seeing what the years ahead have in store for us. 

“I am very proud to be partnering with Lavazza, a company that shares not only my passion for tennis, but also an ethical commitment to children and education.”

Sources: Lavazza (2), Lavazza/YouTube / Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons